FIA Takes Action on Manhole Issues After Las Vegas FP2 Drama

The FIA has taken swift action to address recurring manhole cover issues ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying, after Free Practice 2 was twice interrupted. A specific fault was identified and repaired, with additional welding applied to 14 other manhole assemblies across the circuit.

Why it matters:

• This marks the second time in three years that the Las Vegas GP has faced manhole cover disruptions, raising concerns about track safety and operational preparedness for high-speed F1 racing.
• Resolving these issues is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the race weekend and ensuring driver safety, preventing a repeat of the 2023 incident where a loose manhole severely damaged Carlos Sainz's car.

The Details:

• Free Practice 2 was red-flagged twice when a marshal spotted a moving manhole cover near Turn 17.
• Initially, the FIA inspected and deemed it safe, but further monitoring showed the issue persisted, leading to a second red flag that ended the session prematurely.
• A specific fault in the manhole's closure mechanism was identified and repaired overnight.
• Mitigation Efforts: In addition to the repair, the problematic manhole cover was welded. The FIA also reinspected all other manhole covers on or near the racing line and applied additional welding to 14 other assemblies.
• Historical Context: In 2023, during the inaugural Las Vegas GP, a loose manhole cover in FP1 caused significant damage to Carlos Sainz's Ferrari, leading to a chassis replacement and a 10-place grid penalty.

What's next:

With the repairs and additional welding completed, the FIA hopes to have fully remedied the fault ahead of Free Practice 3 and qualifying sessions. The swift action aims to prevent further disruptions and ensure a safe and smooth race weekend, allowing the focus to shift back to the on-track action.