Las Vegas Grand Prix: Chaotic Kickoff Raises Safety Concerns After Track Fail
Las Vegas for the 2023 Grand Prix took an unexpected turn on its opening day, as disastrous scenes unfolded at the newly-built street circuit, raising safety concerns and sparking controversy.
The chaos began just eight minutes into the first practice session when a concrete framing for a water valve cracked, causing catastrophic damage to two cars that drove over it. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon both fell victim to the loose manhole cover, with Sainz's battery, engine, and chassis suffering severe damage at a speed of around 318km/h.
The incident prompted the cancellation of the first practice session and a delay of two and a half hours for repairs and safety checks on every manhole cover on the 6.2km track.
The unprecedented delays led to the second practice session starting at 2.30 am local time, marking the latest start time in F1 history. Fans, who had eagerly anticipated the event, were kicked out of the grandstands at 1.30 am due to logistical reasons, further adding to the chaotic atmosphere.
Weather takes a toll
As drivers finally hit the track for the second practice, the slippery surface, combined with cold temperatures, led to numerous incidents. Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, and local hopeful Logan Sargeant struggled, with spins, lock-ups, and run-offs becoming a common sight. The late-night session concluded at 4 am, leaving fans and participants exhausted.
The controversy continued with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz facing a 10-place grid penalty for repairs needed after the damaging incident. Despite the team's request for a 'free' battery change being denied, Sainz was allowed to participate in the second practice session after passing scrutineering, thanks to a technicality in the regulations.
