‘Loose drain cover’ cancels first-ever F1 practice on Las Vegas Strip, officials say
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - F1 Las Vegas put out this statement at 10:16 p.m., Thursday on X:
Official statement from #LasVegasGP#F1 pic.twitter.com/293QWYSxgC
— F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) November 17, 2023
The first free practice of the Las Vegas Grand Prix comes to a screeching halt on the Strip Thursday night, according to Formula 1 and FIA officials.
A red flag was waived after a “loose drain cover” caused damage to F1 driver Carlos Sainz’s car. The Ferrari team was seen covering the car and pushed it manually back to the pits.
The situation on the track ultimately ended the inaugural first practice, according to F1 officials.
ESPN posted a picture of the road damage on X. It shows the drain hole in the road completely open.
FOX5 field producer Alec Newboles also reports seeing mechanics feverishly working on Esteban Ocon’s car inside the Alpine garage.
Another practice session was scheduled for midnight but was moved to 2:00 a.m.
FOX5′s Mike Allen talked with track workers, who told him it’s unprecedented for a practice to be cut short after just a few minutes. They added manhole covers are supposed to be welded down, and were not sure if the issue on the track had to do with that. They did mention hearing over intercoms that the ground around the manhole cover started deteriorating. This has not been confirmed with F1.
This is a developing story.
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