FIA Addresses Las Vegas GP Track Maintenance Issues Following FP2 Interruptions

Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was cut short due to recurring track maintenance issues, specifically a loose manhole cover. This incident follows a similar occurrence in the 2023 inaugural event, raising concerns about track safety and impacting critical practice time for teams and supporting series.

Why it matters:

Track integrity is paramount for driver safety and fair competition in Formula 1. The recurrence of loose manhole covers at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, particularly after a significant incident in 2023 involving Carlos Sainz, highlights ongoing challenges with the street circuit's infrastructure. These disruptions not only cost teams valuable track time, impacting their preparation, but also raise questions about the long-term suitability and maintenance standards of the Las Vegas venue.

The Details:

• FP2 Interruptions: Free Practice 2 was red-flagged twice late in the session due to a loose manhole cover near Turn 17.
• Initial Detection: A trackside marshal initially reported the issue, but CCTV could not immediately confirm it. Race Control halted the session as a precautionary measure for an on-site inspection.
• Resumption and Second Stoppage: After an initial inspection deemed the cover safe, the session resumed with four minutes remaining. However, Race Control personnel who remained on-site reported the manhole cover was still moving as cars passed over it, leading to a second, definitive red flag that ended the session early.
• 2023 Precedent: This incident echoes the opening practice session of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Carlos Sainz's Ferrari was severely damaged by a loose manhole cover after only seven minutes. The impact broke his car's floor, seat, and several engine components.
• Controversial Penalty: Sainz subsequently received a controversial 10-place grid penalty for taking a new battery due to the damage, despite it being caused by an external track fault. Ferrari also bore the costs of the extensive damage under the cost cap.
• Historical Context: A similar incident in 2017 at the Malaysian Grand Prix caused €650,000 worth of damage to Romain Grosjean's car, though insurance covered the costs.
• Impact on F1 Academy: The delay caused by the FP2 issues also impacted F1 Academy qualifying, which was scheduled to follow.

Between the lines:

The recurring nature of these manhole cover issues casts a shadow over the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is promoted by Formula 1's commercial rights holder, Liberty Media. While immediate action was taken to ensure safety, the repeated problems suggest a deeper structural or maintenance challenge that needs to be addressed comprehensively. The financial and competitive repercussions for teams, as seen with Ferrari in 2023, underscore the severity of these track faults beyond mere time loss.

What's next:

Further inspections are underway by the FIA and track officials to ensure the circuit is safe for the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend. Teams will be hoping for a permanent solution to prevent any further disruptions or, more critically, driver safety risks. The ongoing scrutiny will undoubtedly place pressure on the organizers to guarantee track integrity for future events, especially given the high-profile nature and investment in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.