F1 fans ejected and Ferrari infuriated as Las Vegas GP endures controversial debut

F1 descended on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for the first time in 2023 as the track became the latest layout to embed itself on the F1 schedule.

However, the event began with controversy as the first practice outing was abruptly halted just nine minutes into running due to a loose drain cover, causing significant issues on the track.

The problem began when Carlos Sainz's Ferrari encountered a faulty water valve cover, which sent sparks flying and caused severe floor damage to his car as he made his way back to the pits. 

The incident underscored major problems with the circuit's drainage infrastructure and prompted FIA officials to immediately call all cars off the track.

A comprehensive inspection followed, requiring a thorough examination of all manhole and drainage covers across the 3.85-mile street circuit. The time-consuming safety checks aimed to prevent further incidents but significantly disrupted the planned schedule.

Sainz wasn't the only victim - Esteban Ocon's Alpine also suffered damage in a separate incident with the same problematic drainage infrastructure.

Sainz’s collision with the drain cover brought his session to an early and costly end. The FIA's inspection meant that Ferrari had to engage in a race against time to rebuild Sainz's car just ahead of second practice, eventually replacing the entire chassis along with other major components. 

This extensive repair work resulted in a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race, sparking anger from Ferrari.

“We damaged completely the monocoque, the engine, the battery,” said team boss Frederic Vasseur. “I think it’s just unacceptable.

"It cost us a fortune. We fucked up the session for Carlos. We won’t be part of FP2 for sure. I think it’s just unacceptable for F1 today."

Due to the disruptions, the second practice was delayed until 2:30 AM local time - one hour after many of the fans were ejected from the grandstands, with the event citing “logistical concerns regarding the safe movement of fans and employees out of the circuit” at such a late hour.

It prompted a Nevada law firm to take legal action, seeking payments of  “in excess” of $30,000 per spectator.

FP2 was extended to 90 minutes, and ran until 4:00 AM local time.