The Las Vegas Grand Prix has faced significant criticism and witnessed protests directed towards its organizers in recent times. The primary cause of dissatisfaction among fans was the poor treatment by race management, which included the cancellation of a grandstand. The combination of high hotel and ticket prices resulted in significant protests among the public.
Fans and drivers expressed visible disapproval. The race organizers assured the spectators that they would have an exceptional experience during this packed-out race. The promise was broken at the beginning of the racing weekend.
Why fan areas were closed for FP2?
There was a blunder in the Free Practice session with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and Esteban Ocon’s Alpine, only 9 minutes into the session. Due to the massive reliance of current cars on ground effects, one of the drainage covers of the circuit came loose and destroyed the underbelly of Carlos’s car.
The Las Vegas GP circuit is prepared as a street circuit, so it would be near impossible for the circuit to be as perfect and race-ready as a traditional racetrack. The organizers, however, had made extensive preparations for the race, which ultimately failed. The blowout during the FP1 session caused a safety concern among drivers and other teams, leading to an extensive check of the entire circuit.
This problematic situation caused the cancellation of FP2, and the track had to be repaired accordingly to prevent further problems. During this time, the drainage covers were checked and filled with resin and asphalt to supposedly keep them in place. The fans were escorted out before any of the repairs could take place, officially stated by the Las Vegas GP organizers as “logistical considerations,” and promised an exhilarating experience from the FP3 session, resuming the gala of the Las Vegas GP weekend.
Carlos Sainz manhole hit causes FP1 suspension
The highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix displayed its true nature from the onset of the Free Practice session. In a densely attended race, spectators gathered to witness the anticipated event as cars prepared to race on the track. Drivers navigated the circuit, striving to optimize their performance and adjust their race configurations accordingly.
The Las Vegas GP circuit is an entirely new addition with weird pit exits and a lot of straights, and as such, free practice comes off as a golden chance to understand this track and make the most of the coming weekend. But the curiosity of drivers was only short-lived, as the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz encountered a massive disaster. The extent of this incident caused the stewards to red flag the entire session and stop FP1, ultimately leading to cancellation of FP3.
The Las Vegas GP definitely didn’t give us the start we were expecting after the huge buildup pre-race, coupled with the over-the-top advertisement. Do you think the Las Vegas GP will end up being an expensive failure? Please let us know your comments.
