Despite the incident, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Sainz topped the timings in the second practice session.
The first practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was halted due to a dislodged drain cover that damaged the cars of Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon.
The incident led to a delay in the second practice session and a ten-place grid penalty for Sainz.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix marks Formula 1's return to Las Vegas after a hiatus of 41 years.
The inaugural practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was abruptly halted due to a dislodged drain cover that caused significant damage to the cars of Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon. The incident occurred just eight minutes into the session, causing damage to Sainz's Ferrari's survival cell, engine, battery, and control electronics, and Ocon's Alpine. The second practice session was subsequently delayed by over two hours while the circuit was made safe.
Despite the incident, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Sainz topped the timings in the second practice session. However, Sainz will face a ten-place penalty on the grid for the race due to the damage to his car. The incident has been described as 'unacceptable' by Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who expressed his frustration. However, both Vasseur and Mercedes principal Toto Wolff defended the new course and the investment into the event, dismissing the incident as a minor setback.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix marks Formula 1's return to Las Vegas after a hiatus of 41 years. The event, promoted by F1 and its ownership group Liberty Media, has been met with criticism from local residents but has also been hailed as a significant investment into the sport. The race is part of a $500 million investment into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is expected to boost the city's economy and global profile.
The first practice of the $500 million Las Vegas Grand Prix was halted nine minutes into the session due to a water valve cover damaging Carlos Sainz Jr.'s Ferrari.
The race marks F1's return to Las Vegas after 41 years, with the event being promoted by F1 and its ownership group Liberty Media.
Ferrari confirmed that Sainz will not participate in the second practice.
The FIA hopes to hold a 90-minute second practice session after fixing an estimated 20-30 water valve covers down the Strip with quick-setting concrete.