The Las Vegas Grand Prix had a rocky start during its first practice when Carlos Sainz Jr. accidentally damaged his Ferrari by hitting a water valve cover. This forced a halt to the session, delaying the subsequent practice by 2 1/2 hours for track repairs. Spectators were asked to leave before the 90-minute session resumed at 4 a.m., aligning with a deadline to reopen roads.
Sainz’s mishap prompted the FIA to inspect the entire circuit, sealing multiple drainage covers before the delayed second practice. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed frustration, stating Sainz couldn’t participate in the next practice due to the damage. Although the team managed to repair the car and perform well in the extended session, Sainz faced a 10-place grid penalty.
Despite the setbacks, the second practice saw Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Sainz leading. Team principals criticized the incident but praised the overall event’s spectacle, despite frustrations with the sporting side and track issues. The event marked F1’s return to Las Vegas after a 41-year hiatus, aiming for grandeur but facing logistical challenges and disrupted preparations for the circuit.
The 3.85-mile street circuit utilizes the Strip and various landmarks. The FIA’s late-night inspection led to the delayed practice, raising safety concerns. Despite the chaos, team principals acknowledged similar past incidents but lauded the overall event’s magnitude.
