Manhole cover slows down Formula 1 in Las Vegas
The Formula 1 opening practice session in Las Vegas was stopped after just 19 minutes. The session will not be resumed, the race stewards announced.
Carlos Sainz came to a halt in his Ferrari just eight minutes after the start of the first session on the world-famous Las Vegas Boulevard after his car apparently bounced over an obstacle and shook.
Las Vegas race as a prestige project
During a subsequent inspection on the so-called Strip, it was discovered by the FIA that the concrete frame around a manhole cover had failed. They now had to check "all the other manhole covers", which would take some time, they said. They would have to consult with the organizer and then adjust the schedule accordingly.
After the involuntary stop of the Spaniard Sainz, the red flag was waved and his car was subsequently towed away. The chassis of Esteban Ocon's Alpine had to be replaced due to damage that was presumably also caused by a manhole cover.
For Formula 1, this is an unfortunate sporting start in the gambling metropolis. The Grand Prix in Las Vegas is the prestige project of rights holder Liberty Media, which aims to grow further in the US market. The opening practice session normally lasts one hour. The second practice session is scheduled for today. The penultimate race of the season is scheduled for Sunday.
Despite the manhole cover issue disrupting the first practice session, Carlos Sainz and other drivers are expected to participate in the scheduled training for GP Las Vegas to improve their Formula 1 skills. In preparation for the penultimate race of the season, Carlos Sainz will likely participate in additional Formula 1 training sessions in Las Vegas, aiming to improve his performance in the GP Las Vegas.
Source: www.dpa.com
