F1s Recurring Drain Cover Issue Disrupts Las Vegas Practice

A Formula 1 practice session in Las Vegas was cancelled following a track incident involving a loose drain cover. The event caused significant damage to a car and led to extensive track repairs, disrupting the scheduled running for the teams and drivers.

Main News

The first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was cancelled after just eight minutes. A water valve cover on the circuit came loose, striking the car of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. The impact caused substantial damage to his SF-23 car.

The session was immediately red-flagged. Race officials then announced the cancellation of the session to allow for safety inspections and repairs. All other drain covers on the circuit needed to be checked and remediated.

The subsequent second practice session was delayed by two and a half hours. This was to ensure the track was safe for all participants. The session eventually started at 2:30 AM local time.

Summary

A loose drain cover on the Las Vegas street circuit led to the cancellation of the first Formula 1 practice session. The incident occurred when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari struck the dislodged cover, sustaining heavy damage.

The cancellation and subsequent track repairs caused a major disruption to the event schedule. The lengthy delay pushed the second practice session into the early hours of the morning.

The situation has drawn comparisons to a similar incident that occurred during the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In that event, a manhole cover damaged George Russell’s car.

FAQs

**What caused the cancellation of the F1 practice session in Las Vegas?**
The session was cancelled after a water valve cover on the track came loose. It struck Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, causing significant damage and prompting immediate safety checks.

Was any driver injured in the incident?
No injuries to drivers have been reported. The primary result was extensive damage to Carlos Sainz’s car.

What is the significance of Lando Norris “refusing to relent” in this context?
Based on the available information, Lando Norris’s reported stance is not directly connected to the drain cover incident. His comments relate to a separate, competitive aspect of the event.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All information is based on verified reporting available at the time of publication.