FIA Addresses Las Vegas GP Manhole Cover Issues Ahead of FP3

The FIA has confirmed repairs and checks on manhole covers at the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit after a suspected issue with a cover red-flagged FP2. The incident, reminiscent of last year's event, saw the session cut short, leaving drivers with limited running. Authorities have taken proactive measures to prevent a recurrence before FP3.

Why it matters:

The integrity of the track surface is paramount for driver safety and fair competition. The recurrence of manhole cover issues at Las Vegas, following Carlos Sainz's significant damage in 2023, highlights persistent infrastructure challenges for the street circuit. Prompt action from the FIA is crucial to restore confidence in the track and ensure a smooth, safe race weekend.

The Details:

• FP2 Incident: Thursday night's FP2 session was red-flagged with about 20 minutes remaining after a marshal reported a potential issue with a manhole cover at Turn 17.
• Session Stoppage: Race Control initially paused the session for inspection. Although briefly resumed, it was quickly red-flagged again and ended prematurely after personnel reported the cover moving under cars.
• Immediate Impact: Many drivers, including those aiming for soft tire runs, had their plans disrupted. Lando Norris, Kimi Antonelli, and Charles Leclerc topped the limited running.
• FIA's Response: Following the session, the suspect manhole cover was dismantled. A fault with its closing mechanism was identified and rectified.
• Proactive Measures: As an additional safety precaution, the FIA also inspected and welded 14 other manhole covers on the circuit to ensure no movement as ground-effect cars pass over them.

The Big Picture:

This incident echoes the significant issues faced during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Carlos Sainz's Ferrari was severely damaged by a loose manhole cover. That event led to extensive repairs, disrupted schedules, and forced fans to leave the circuit. The FIA's rapid response this year aims to avoid a repeat of last year's controversy and maintain the event's reputation, especially given the high profile and investment in the Las Vegas race.

What's next:

With the repairs and checks completed, the focus now shifts to Friday's FP3 session and qualifying. Drivers will be eager for uninterrupted track time to fine-tune their setups. The effectiveness of these interventions will be under close scrutiny, with fans and teams hoping for a problem-free remainder of the Grand Prix weekend to ensure a safe and competitive race.