The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a hotly anticipated event, is being covered live on both 5 Live and the Sport News Center website. However, the event encountered a significant hiccup due to manhole cover issues on the track.
Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, expressed his frustration over the situation, labeling it as “utterly unacceptable.” The first practice session faced an abrupt end after a mere nine minutes when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari collided with a dislodged manhole cover.
Similarly, Esteban Ocon’s Alpine also suffered damage due to the same issue, leading to the early termination of the session. Vasseur disclosed that the incident had severely damaged Sainz’s car, impacting the chassis, engine, and battery. He voiced concerns over the financial implications, stating that repairs would be extremely costly.
The FIA has taken immediate action, announcing an indefinite delay to thoroughly inspect every manhole cover on the track.
Emphasizing the need for safety and professionalism, Vasseur acknowledged the exceptional efforts by F1 owners Liberty Media in organizing the event but stressed the importance of not overlooking the sporting aspect. He praised the opening ceremony but reminded that it should not overshadow the need for a well-maintained and safe sporting environment.
The FIA, after a thorough inspection, had initially declared the track fit for racing. However, McLaren Racing’s CEO Zak Brown suggested that despite no expenses being spared for the event, something was evidently overlooked. Williams’ team principal James Vowles added insight, noting that the powerful suction generated by modern F1 cars likely contributed to the issue, a force that was perhaps underestimated.
Alpine faced additional challenges, having to replace the chassis on Ocon’s car after the incident.
The FIA spokesperson clarified that it was the concrete frame around a manhole cover that failed, necessitating checks on all other covers, a process that could affect the event’s schedule. Ongoing discussions are considering all potential scenarios to ensure safety and smooth running of the Grand Prix.
This incident isn’t the first of its kind in F1 history. A similar situation occurred at the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading to the cancellation of the first practice after George Russell’s Williams was damaged by a drain cover.
As the Las Vegas Grand Prix continues, the second practice session is scheduled to start at midnight local time (08:00 GMT). Prior to the session halt, drivers were just getting acclimated to the track, with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari leading the timings, significantly ahead of the Haas drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
The event kicked off with an anticipated display of lights and festivities, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Las Vegas Grand Prix Safety
What happened during the first practice session of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?
The first practice session was halted after just nine minutes due to a loose manhole cover, which caused damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and Esteban Ocon’s Alpine.
What was Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur’s reaction to the incident?
Frederic Vasseur expressed frustration, deeming the situation with the manhole covers as “utterly unacceptable.” He highlighted the significant damage to Sainz’s car and the high cost of repairs.
Did the incident affect the Las Vegas Grand Prix schedule?
Yes, the incident led to an indefinite delay announced by the FIA to inspect all manhole covers on the track, potentially affecting the Grand Prix schedule.
What safety concerns were raised following the manhole cover incident?
The incident raised concerns about the track’s safety and the need for thorough inspections, as modern F1 cars can generate significant suction, potentially leading to such issues.
How did other team principals react to the incident?
McLaren Racing’s CEO Zak Brown suggested that something was overlooked despite no expenses being spared, and Williams’ team principal James Vowles pointed out the underestimation of the force generated by F1 cars.
Has a similar incident happened before in F1?
Yes, at the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the first practice was cancelled after George Russell’s Williams hit a drain cover, indicating such incidents have occurred in the past.
More about Las Vegas Grand Prix Safety
- Las Vegas Grand Prix Safety Concerns
- Ferrari Team’s Reaction to Track Incident
- FIA’s Response to Las Vegas GP Issues
- Historical Incidents of F1 Track Safety
- McLaren and Williams Team Principals on GP Safety
7 comments
inspecting all the manhole covers is a good move by the FIA, better safe than sorry.
just shows that no matter how much you plan, something always goes wrong in F1. gotta love the unpredictability.
wow, can’t believe this happened at such a big event like Las Vegas GP, safety should be top priority.
Reminds me of the 2019 Azerbaijan incident, history repeating itself in F1, they need to learn from past mistakes.
thats just crazy, loose manhole covers? sounds like someone didn’t do their job right.
Vasseur is right, the damage must’ve cost a fortune, Ferrari ain’t gonna be happy about this.
Those F1 cars are engineering marvels, but even they can’t handle a loose manhole, scary stuff.