November 17, 2023, 12:11h. 

November 17, 2023, 12:15h.

Formula 1 had to cancel the first practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a manhole cover being sucked up by Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, causing extensive floor damage. As a result, the session was red-flagged and repairs were promptly conducted to get ready for the second practice session.

The FIA determined that the concrete frame around the manhole cover had failed, leading to the track repairs. Carlos Sainz received a 10-place grid penalty due to the damage, and his fellow driver Esteban Ocon also suffered a chassis change after hitting a manhole cover.

Fans Kicked Out

Although the repairs were completed in time for the second practice session, the first session was canceled, leading to fans being ejected at 1:30 a.m. However, Sainz was able to participate in the second session and was ultimately beaten by Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen, who is favored to win Saturday’s main event, finished in sixth place.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff downplayed the incident, while Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur called the situation “just unacceptable.”