By Chris Medland November 17, 2023 3:01 AM
By Chris Medland | November 17, 2023 3:01 AM ET storm drain covers
The FIA is inspecting manhole covers around the Las Vegas Grand prix track after the concrete frame around one failed, bringing an early end to first practice.
Sainz was running at high speed on the Strip when he approached a yellow flag, then hitting something that led to his engine switching off. The heavy impact was audible onboard, and the session was red flagged to allow for the Ferrari to be cleared. At the same time, FIA personnel went out on track to inspect the area, and soon confirmed the session would not be resumed.
“Following inspection, it was the concrete frame around a manhole cover that has failed,” an FIA spokesperson said. “We now need to check all of the other manhole covers which will take some time – we will be discussing with the local circuit engineering team about the length of time it will take to resolve and will update with any resultant changes to the schedule.”
Multiple other teams then reported damage caused by a suspected loose drain cover, with Alpine stating it will have to replace Esteban Ocon’s chassis as a result.
The incident marks the second time in five races that a track has been deemed to be in an unsafe condition, with updated curbs in Qatar causing damage to tires that led to a change of track layout and mandated maximum stint lengths last month.
The 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix also saw a drain cover failure that damaged George Russell’s Williams, cancelling that session at a similar stage. After checks and repairs, FP2 was able to take place on time.
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, he contributes to BBC 5Live and Sky Sports in the UK as well as working with titles in Japan and the Middle East.
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