3 Reasons Why First F1 Las Vegas GP Practice Session Cancelled

Due to a loose manhole cover on the circuit, the first practice session of the first F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix came to a sudden end. The collision, which caused damage to Carlos Sainz’s and Esteban Ocon’s Alpine vehicles, set off a series of incidents that affected the racing schedule and sparked worries about track safety.

Immediate Cancellation and Car Damages:

After just nine minutes of practice, the first one was called off because of a loose manhole cover. Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari suffered serious damage as a result of the unstable infrastructure. When Esteban Ocon’s Alpine returned to the pits, it struck the same loose manhole, meeting a same end.

Team and Official Reactions:

1. Ferrari’s Frustration:
   – Principal of the Scuderia Ferrari, Frederic Vasseur, expressed his frustration, labeling the incident as “unacceptable.” The unexpected setback forced the Ferrari team to assess the damages promptly and strategize their response.

2. Delayed Resumption:
   – The subsequent practice session, which began after a halt of two and a half hours, unfolded with empty stands as fans were not permitted during this session. The delay in the resumption added an element of uncertainty to the Grand Prix weekend.

No Reported Injuries, But Fan Disruptions:

Although the cars sustained substantial damage, the drivers were not reported injured. Fans who were excitedly anticipating the practice session encountered difficulties getting their refunds as a result of the incident. The three-day event package format of the ticketing system made it difficult to calculate and handle refunds for impacted attendees.

Responsibility and Track Safety:

It begs the crucial question: Who is accountable for the loose manhole cover? The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is responsible for overseeing track safety, even though F1 helped build the track in the well-known gambling city. The event calls into question how comprehensive safety checks and procedures are.

Las Vegas Grand Prix: The Greatest Show on Earth Faces Scrutiny:

F1 administrators have named Las Vegas, which is hosting the Grand Prix for the first time in 40 years, the “greatest show on Earth.” But the recent problems with track safety have created a stir and highlighted the possible dangers connected to the event.

Historical Track Safety Concerns:

There have been track safety issues in Formula 1 before this occurrence. Jenson Button ran over a dislodged drain in Monaco during practice in 2018, and George Russell ran over a drain cover in Azerbaijan four years prior. These past events bring to light the ongoing difficulties Formula 1 faces in guaranteeing the safety of its drivers.The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix highlights the necessity of strict safety protocols and attentive track inspections as it navigates these unforeseen obstacles. In order to avoid such interruptions at upcoming Grand Prix events, the racing community, spectators, and organizers are awaiting a comprehensive inquiry into the loose manhole incident.