Las Vegas Grand Prix Circuit Undergoes Extensive Manhole Cover Rectifications Following FP2 Interruption

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed significant modifications to the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit infrastructure, specifically targeting manhole covers, after an incident involving a suspected loose cover led to the early termination of the second free practice (FP2) session. Ahead of Friday’s FP3 session, a thorough re-inspection was conducted, and the problematic cover at Turn 17, along with 14 other similar installations, underwent welding and repair to ensure track integrity.

The incident unfolded during Thursday night’s FP2 session, which was brought to an abrupt halt with approximately 20 minutes remaining on the clock. A track marshal reported a potential issue with a manhole cover located at Turn 17 of the temporary street circuit. Race Control immediately red-flagged the session to allow officials to inspect the reported anomaly. Following an initial assessment, the session was briefly resumed, only to be red-flagged again shortly thereafter as concerns persisted. Ultimately, the remaining time expired under the second red flag, preventing several drivers from completing critical running on soft tyres and gathering essential data. McLaren’s Lando Norris topped the curtailed timesheets, followed by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

An initial statement from Race Control at the time detailed the unfolding situation: "Following a marshal report of a possible loose manhole cover before Turn 17, Race Control were unable to confirm this information from the CCTV available. The session has been red-flagged as a precautionary measure and Race Control personnel are currently on site assessing the situation." A subsequent update confirmed the severity of the issue, stating, "Some Race Control personnel remained on-site when the session was restarted. They reported that the manhole cover was moving as cars passed over it, which led to the session being ended under red-flag conditions. Further inspections are underway."

In a detailed update provided to media outlets, the FIA explained the technical rectifications undertaken. The suspect manhole cover at Turn 17 was entirely dismantled after the conclusion of FP2. Engineers identified and subsequently repaired a fault within its closing mechanism. Crucially, as an additional safety measure to prevent any recurrence and ensure the highest level of track security for the high-speed, ground-effect Formula 1 cars, 14 other manhole covers across the circuit were also thoroughly checked and welded into place. This measure aims to eliminate any potential movement as the powerful single-seaters traverse the circuit, exerting immense forces and suction.

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This recent incident marks a concerning repeat of infrastructure challenges faced by the Las Vegas Grand Prix. In 2023, during the inaugural event, a far more severe incident occurred during the first free practice (FP1) session. On that occasion, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz suffered substantial and costly damage to his SF-23 car after striking a loose manhole cover. The impact, which occurred during FP1, led to extensive repairs for Sainz’s vehicle, necessitating a complete chassis change, replacement of the engine, energy store, and gearbox. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur estimated the damage to be in the multi-million dollar range, highlighting the significant financial ramifications of such structural failures.

The 2023 incident not only caused severe damage but also severely disrupted the event’s schedule and significantly impacted the fan experience. FP1 was effectively cancelled after only eight minutes of running. The subsequent track repairs, which involved inspecting and welding hundreds of manhole covers across the entire 6.201-kilometre street circuit, lasted for several hours. This delay pushed the start of FP2 to approximately 2:30 AM local time. In a controversial decision, thousands of fans who had paid for tickets to witness the practice sessions were forced to leave the circuit grounds before FP2 even commenced, with organizers citing logistical challenges and staff working hour restrictions. This move drew widespread criticism from attendees, drivers, and team principals, casting a shadow over the much-hyped inaugural event.

The recurring nature of manhole cover issues at the Las Vegas street circuit underscores a specific challenge inherent to temporary urban tracks. Unlike purpose-built, permanent racing circuits, street circuits are constructed on existing public roads, which often contain numerous utility access points. Modern Formula 1 cars, with their sophisticated ground-effect aerodynamics, generate enormous downforce, effectively sucking the car towards the track surface. This, combined with low ride heights and the immense vibrations and pressures exerted at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, places extraordinary stress on any track infrastructure, including manhole covers. Even a slight imperfection or a loosely secured cover can be dislodged, posing a significant safety hazard and a threat to vehicle integrity.

The FIA’s role in track homologation and safety is paramount. Each circuit must meet stringent safety standards before being approved for Formula 1 racing. Incidents like those seen in Las Vegas trigger comprehensive reviews of these protocols, especially concerning temporary structures and street circuit specifics. Ensuring the long-term viability and safety of such high-profile events requires meticulous attention to detail during construction and continuous, rigorous inspection throughout the race weekend.

For teams and drivers, the curtailment of practice sessions represents a significant setback. Practice time is crucial for data collection, optimising car setups for the unique characteristics of a circuit, and allowing drivers to familiarise themselves with track limits and braking points. At a relatively new and challenging circuit like Las Vegas, which features long straights, tight corners, and fluctuating temperatures, every minute of track time is invaluable. The lost running due to safety concerns directly impacts competitive preparation and could potentially influence performance during qualifying and the race.

With the extensive repairs now completed and certified by the FIA, the focus shifts to the remainder of the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. The proactive measures taken are intended to guarantee a secure racing environment, allowing teams and drivers to compete without further infrastructure-related interruptions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in bringing Formula 1 to the heart of urban environments and the absolute imperative of upholding the highest safety standards.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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