The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix is this weekend, and things are off to a rough start. After seeing ticket prices fall due to softer-than-expected demand, race organizers are facing criticism after a manhole cover badly damaged one of the two Ferrari cars.
Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Ferrari took significant damage from a water valve cover that was improperly sealed. Unfortunately for the racing teams, the incident caused the suspension of Free Practice 1 (FP1), limiting the amount of time drivers had to get a feel for the brand-new track. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was understandably upset, calling the situation unacceptable. Flat Face Flange
Though dramatic, Ferrari replaced Sainz’s chassis, and he was able to complete a practice session. He and his teammate, Charles Leclerc, ran one-two in FP2, showing promising times. That said, the chassis replacement netted Sainz a ten-place grid penalty, so he will be quite far back, even if he qualifies on the front row.
The new Las Vegas race is Formula 1’s third in the U.S. this year, and the location represents a massive gamble by F1 and its owners, Liberty Media. Ticket prices and hotel rooms were insane leading up to the race, but both have softened considerably as it became clear that fans aren’t super willing to pay the astronomical price tag.
[Image: Cristiano Barni via Shutterstock]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
Wasn’t a manhole cover, it was a water valve box cover. Concrete holding the frame failed. First time races always have issues.
I have been looking around for pictures/detail of the incident and the repairs, and at this point I am just confused.
(At least one repair seems to have gone through the "use oxy-acetylene heat to speed the cure of a two-part epoxy" phase)
See Car & Driver article for more details and pictures.
Interesting article - thank you.
This doesn't happen to KIA Tellurides, why? Check dem ATPs kids.
Ok, last call is over. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.
I have only begun to defile myself
Steel Expansion Joint I'd be more concerned about the "for hire" manholes and STD's.