F1 confirm Las Vegas issue will take 'some time' to solve after practice axed

17 November 2023 , 05:56

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The track in Las Vegas has encountered issues early in the weekend

Second practice at the Las Vegas Grand Prix has been delayed after the first was cancelled after 20 minutes due to an unsafe track.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz drove over a loose manhole cover during that first session, which saw his Ferrari bounce considerably and make a loud noise, which sounded alarm up and down the paddock. The Spaniard's car was damaged whilst Esteban Ocon picked up a similar issue in the opening stages of practice.

Originally the red flag came out but the session was then cancelled all together so that the stewards could review every manhole cover on the track with the circuit purpose built for the Las Vegas event - meaning it has had no previous racing on it.

An FIA statement read: "Following inspection, it was the concrete frame around a manhole cover that has failed. We now need to check all of the other manhole covers which will take some time. We will be discussing with the local circuit engineering team about the length of time it will take to resolve and will update with any resultant changes to the schedule."

Friday's second session has been delayed while that work to check the rest of the track and fix the manhole cover goes on. Chiefs hope to be able to hold FP2 today if possible, though whether or not it will happen remains to be seen.

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The issue in Nevada will serve to further divide opinion on the event, which has split F1. The sport's bosses have looked to further cash in on the immense popularity, which has risen notably in America with three races taking place across the Atlantic this season. However some drivers have suggested this Grand Prix is for show - Max Verstappen among them.

A loose manhole cover has caused major issues early on

World champion Max Verstappen described the Las Vegas Grand Prix as "99 percent show and one percent sporting event", before adding: "They are still going to make money whether I like it or not. But I am also not going to fake it. I voice my opinion in positive and negative things. That's just how I am.

"Some people like show a bit more, I don't like it at all. I just grew up looking at the performance side of things. I like to be in Vegas but not so much for racing."

Despite that Lewis Hamilton has said: "It's amazing to be here. It is exciting - such an incredible place, so many lights, a great energy, a great buzz. This is one of the most iconic cities there is. It is a big show, for sure. It is never going to be like Silverstone [in terms of history and purity]. But maybe over time the people in the community here will grow to love the sport."

Samuel Meade