The highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix got off to a rocky start as practice sessions were plagued by problems with the newly constructed street track. In a day filled with unexpected twists and turns, the excitement was palpable, but so was the chaos.
The trouble began early on as the first practice session had to be abruptly halted after just nine minutes. The reason? A loose manhole cover that wreaked havoc on Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, leaving it badly damaged. Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, minced no words, describing the situation as “unacceptable.”
Imagine the scene: roaring engines, adrenaline-pumped drivers, and then, bam! A manhole cover decides to join the race. It’s not the kind of excitement fans or teams were hoping for on this historic day.
The drama didn’t end there. The second practice session, scheduled to start two and a half hours later, faced its own set of challenges. The stands, which were expected to be filled with eager fans, were nearly empty. Why? Fan areas had been closed. Formula 1 cited “logistical considerations for our fans and staff” as the reason behind this unexpected decision, leaving fans disappointed and puzzled.
As if the manhole mishap wasn’t enough, Esteban Ocon’s Alpine also suffered damage when he encountered the same rogue manhole while returning to the pits during the red flag period. Both Sainz and Ocon lost their chassis, adding to the woes of their respective teams.
Finally, when the chaos subsided and the track action resumed, it was Charles Leclerc leading the way in a Ferrari one-two, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez hot on their heels. The reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, found himself in sixth place, while Lewis Hamilton could only manage ninth for Mercedes, and Lando Norris settled for 11th in his McLaren.
With tempers flaring and confusion reigning supreme, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration. In a heated news conference, he lashed out at a journalist who dared to suggest that these incidents were tarnishing F1’s image. Wolff defended the event vigorously, emphasizing the effort put into making it a success.
Intriguingly, F1, acting as the promoter for this race, invested over £500 million in preparations, including constructing the largest pit building on the F1 calendar. The event was a culmination of 40 years of efforts to bring F1 back to Las Vegas, thanks in part to the support of casinos looking to cash in on the race and boost the city’s global sporting profile.
But the question looms: who is responsible for ensuring the safety of the track? While F1 built the circuit, the task of safety inspection rested with the governing body, the FIA. It’s a point of contention in the wake of these incidents.
As for that troublesome manhole cover, it decided to make its appearance on the most iconic stretch of the track, the famous Las Vegas Strip, where all the glittering casino hotels reside. To add insult to injury, Sainz received a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his allocated battery replacements. Ferrari argued for leniency, citing unusual circumstances, but the stewards were unforgiving.
Ferrari’s team principal, Vasseur, had a different perspective on the day’s challenges. He applauded Liberty Media for their grand opening ceremony but insisted that the show must go hand in hand with the sporting side, emphasizing the need for a job well done on both fronts.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that corners weren’t cut in organizing the event, and that a wrong turn somewhere led to these issues.
Amid the turmoil, Alpine had to replace Ocon’s chassis following his incident. Luckily, they managed to get it ready in time for the second practice session. And spare a thought for Zhou Guanyu of Alfa Romeo, who narrowly avoided a collision with the detached drain cover.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time a drain cover has caused problems in Formula 1, with similar incidents occurring in Monaco and Azerbaijan in the past. It seems these unexpected hurdles are just part of the drama and unpredictability that make Formula 1 such a thrilling sport. As the teams and organizers regroup, fans can only hope for smoother and safer sessions in the days ahead in the neon-lit city of Las Vegas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Las Vegas Grand Prix
What caused the interruption during the Las Vegas Grand Prix practice sessions?
A loose manhole cover on the track caused the first practice session to be halted after just nine minutes, damaging Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and Esteban Ocon’s Alpine.
Why did the second practice session start late with almost no fans in attendance?
The second practice session began two and a half hours late, and the stands were nearly empty due to the closure of fan areas. This decision was attributed to “logistical considerations for fans and staff” by Formula 1.
How did Toto Wolff react to questions about the problems during the event?
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, expressed frustration and defended the event passionately when a journalist suggested that the incidents were damaging F1’s image. He vehemently supported the effort put into making the event a success.
Who is responsible for the safety of the Las Vegas Grand Prix track?
While Formula 1 constructed the circuit, the responsibility for safety inspection rested with the governing body, the FIA. The allocation of this responsibility has come under scrutiny following the incidents.
Why did Carlos Sainz receive a grid penalty?
Carlos Sainz received a 10-place grid penalty because he exceeded his allocated battery replacements while replacing the damaged battery following the manhole incident. Ferrari argued for leniency, but the stewards rejected the appeal.
Have similar incidents involving drain covers occurred in Formula 1 before?
Yes, similar incidents involving drain covers have happened in Formula 1 in the past, including in Monaco and Azerbaijan. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport.
