Las Vegas Grand Prix Chaos: A Detailed Overview of Practice Session One (2024)

The long-awaited return of Formula 1 to Las Vegas was met with unexpected turmoil during the opening practice session, leaving drivers and teams grappling with an unforeseen challenge. Within mere minutes of commencement, the session came to an abrupt halt due to a broken drain cover, leading to significant damage to the cars of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Alpine's Esteban Ocon.

The Unforeseen Obstacle

As the cars raced around the all-new circuit, chaos ensued when Sainz's Ferrari encountered the damaged drain cover on the main straight, resulting in substantial harm to the car. The subsequent red flag disrupted the session, and Ocon's Alpine suffered collateral damage upon encountering the scattered debris from Sainz's incident.

Session Cancellation and Schedule Changes

Efforts to rectify the issue saw an additional 11-minute delay before the session cancellation decision was made. Consequently, the subsequent practice session was pushed back by two hours, now scheduled for 10 am, with an extended duration of 90 minutes.

Technical Ramifications and Team Reactions

Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, vehemently expressed discontent, labeling the damage to Sainz's car as "unacceptable." Confirmed damages encompassed Sainz's monocoque, engine, and battery, while Alpine confirmed the necessity of changing the chassis on Ocon's car.

Historical Precedents and Controversy

This incident isn't an isolated occurrence in recent Formula 1 history. Similar situations disrupted sessions, like the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where George Russell's Williams sustained damage due to a drain cover, and issues with the circuit's CCTV disrupted the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix's opening session.

Defending the Event

Amidst the chaos, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff delivered an impassioned defense of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, adamantly dismissing notions that the incident tarnished the event's credibility. He emphasized the swift actions to rectify the situation and stressed the insignificance of the incident in the broader context of the event's significance and organizational success.

Looking Ahead

The unexpected disruption has left the running order for the remainder of the weekend in uncertainty, with limited insights garnered from the brief session. Despite the setback, the anticipation remains palpable for an exhilarating Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.

Conclusion

The swift and efficient handling of the drain cover issue underscores the dedication of F1 and the local circuit engineering team towards ensuring the safety and integrity of the event. As the spotlight remains on the much-anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, the resilience and adaptability of the sport in the face of unexpected challenges stand as a testament to its unwavering spirit.

Las Vegas Grand Prix Chaos: A Detailed Overview of Practice Session One (2024)

FAQs

What was the problem with the F1 race in Las Vegas? ›

F1 News: Drivers Highlight Point Las Vegas GP Circuit Problem That Caused An "Unfair" Race Start. The cars dropped oil which made the slippery circuit, a lot more slippery. Formula 1 drivers have pointed out a big problem they faced at the Las Vegas Grand Prix race start that could have had serious repercussions.

Was the Vegas Grand Prix a success? ›

The aftermath seems positive: The race drew more than 300,000 people over four nights and is on track to earn more revenue than any Grand Prix in the history of Formula 1, according to organizers, who also reported that the economic impact for the area amounted to $1.2 billion.

Where is the best place to sit at the Las Vegas Grand Prix? ›

The most sought-after grandstands in Las Vegas are those of the East Harmon Zone. The area comprises the start /finish line and the first four corners. Grandstand PG1 offers fans the best grandstand seats in the house for views of the grid. It's likely to be where the top 3 are interviewed after qualifying on Friday.

How much is general admission to the Las Vegas Grand Prix? ›

Ticket prices start at $150 for Single-Day General Admission and $600 for Three-Day General Admission, and the event will continue to build upon fan engagement with enhanced interactive experiences, thrilling live entertainment, complimentary food and drink offerings, and more.

What is the lawsuit against F1 Las Vegas GP? ›

Outraged fans demanded their money back, but F1 offered only $200 merchandise vouchers to those who had purchased a single-day ticket to the practice sessions. Dissatisfied with that offer, a group of fans filed a class action lawsuit in Nevada court.

Why did Las Vegas get Cancelled? ›

Three episodes ultimately went unproduced because of the strike, leaving the season with 19 episodes. Due to low ratings, NBC canceled the series on February 20, 2008, five days after the airing of the season 5 finale. Thompson said, "I sold my soul to get a Season 5, so I didn't have a soul left to sell.

How rich is Max Verstappen? ›

Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, secured a jaw-dropping $110 million following his dominant performance in the 2023 season, winning an astounding 86% of the races. With bonuses and endorsem*nts factored in, Verstappen's net worth soared to approximately $165.5 million.

Who was the last American to win a Grand Prix? ›

Another 56 American drivers competed in F1 races other than the Indy 500. As of 2024, the most recent American race winner remains Mario Andretti, who won the 1978 Dutch Grand Prix.

How many years will the Grand Prix be in Vegas? ›

It is conducted as a night race on a temporary street circuit that includes parts of the Las Vegas Strip. The first race was held on November 18, 2023. Formula One and Las Vegas have signed a ten-year agreement for the race.

Can you watch F1 Las Vegas for free? ›

Since the event is being broadcast on ABC, the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix can be streamed on internet-based streaming cable services, some of which even offer free trials. If you act fast and sign up before Saturday, you can watch the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix online for free.

Where is the best view of F1 in Las Vegas? ›

One of the best places to watch the Las Vegas F1 on the street circuit is at Turn 3. This turn is situated right in front of the famous Bellagio Hotel, giving you a prime view of all the action.

Is the Las Vegas Grand Prix a night race? ›

The 10 p.m. start time means Las Vegas will be a night race like no other — but from a time management perspective, it could also be one of the most challenging events F1 teams and fans have ever faced.

What is the cheapest F1 race to attend? ›

China. The cheapest race on the F1 2024 calendar is also its newest addition. On average, a ticket to attend the Shanghai International Circuit Grand Prix, which is set to take place on April 21, costs $199.

What is the cheapest Grand Prix to get tickets for? ›

2024 Formula 1 Ticket Prices ($USD)
RankRace2024 Average (Change)
1China$199 (n/a)
2Hungary$207 (+12.5%)
3Japan$264 (+14.3%)
4Bahrain$265 (0%)
4 more rows
Mar 9, 2024

Can you buy Grand Prix tickets at the gate? ›

Can you buy F1 tickets at the gate? The quick answer to this is, unfortunately, 'no'. Like most major sporting events, all tickets need to be bought in advance.

What was the issue at the Saudi Grand Prix? ›

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is accused of interfering with the final result of last year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The investigation suggests that he intervened to overturn a sanction against Fernando Alonso lifted, which helped him to finish on the podium in the race at the Jeddah Street Circuit.

What happened to Ferrari in Las Vegas? ›

The incident at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last season saw Carlos Sainz's Ferrari severely damaged by a loose drain cover on the track.

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