Las Vegas GP Practice Disrupted by recurring Manhole Cover Issue
Practice sessions for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix were once again impacted by concerns over loose manhole covers, leading to red flag stoppages and curtailed running. The issue surfaced during Free Practice 2, initially prompting a precautionary red flag while FIA personnel inspected a cover near the pit straight at the end of the lap.
Despite initial confidence in the cover’s security, the session was red flagged again just four minutes after resuming, as Charles Leclerc was forced to stop at Turn 5.Further observation by officials, who had been stationed at Turn 17 following the first incident, revealed potential instability in the manhole cover as F1 cars passed over it. This necessitated further inspections, ultimately shortening the session by two minutes.
The root cause of the problem lies in the design of modern Formula 1 cars. Their elegant underfloor aerodynamics, utilizing ground effect to generate downforce, create immense suction forces.These forces place critically important stress on trackside fixtures like manhole covers, potentially lifting them from their housings. Extra welding is required before race weekends to mitigate this risk.
The incident highlights a recurring issue at street circuits. The all-women F1 Academy series experienced no such problems in their qualifying session, which began only two minutes behind schedule, as their cars generate considerably less aerodynamic downforce and therefore exert less stress on the track infrastructure.
This isn’t an isolated incident for the Las Vegas GP. In 2023, the inaugural race’s opening practice was cancelled after just eight minutes when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari suffered severe damage after hitting a loose water valve cover. That incident triggered a complete inspection of all trackside covers, delaying the second practice session until 4 a.m.local time. While fans weren’t offered refunds, they received merchandise vouchers as compensation.
The problem isn’t unique to Las Vegas. A similar incident at the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku – another high-speed street circuit – led to the cancellation of practice after George Russell’s Williams sustained damage from a dislodged manhole cover.
Despite the disruptions, McLaren’s Lando Norris topped the timesheets in FP2, finishing a mere 0.029 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. The limited running prevented several drivers, including championship contender Oscar Piastri (14th), from completing qualifying simulation laps on the softest tire compound.
Final practice is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by qualifying at 8 p.m. local time. The teams will undoubtedly be hoping for an uninterrupted session to maximize their preparation for the race.
