Charles Leclerc has inarguably been one of the unluckiest drivers on the Formula 1 grid this season, with the most unprecedented issues ruining his hopes of claiming a decent finish to almost every Grand Prix weekend. This time, however, it is Carlos Sainz enduring a stroke of horrible luck in what is the biggest racing event of 2023, the Las Vegas GP.
The build-up to this visually stunning weekend has constantly been over the roof, and the entire motorsport fraternity has been yearning to witness the roaring V6 turbocharged engines racing on the Vegas Strip. Amidst such massive hype, what followed was jam-packed stadiums for the first free practice session.
Indeed, the Alfa Romeos and Aston Martins were one of the first teams to unleash their challengers onto the track as the countdown to FP1 was displayed on the Sphere. And, in almost no time, the entire track was buzzing with F1 cars, with Lance Stroll being the sole exception. Strangely enough, cameras caught the Canadian being helped out of the car as he walked into the back of the garage.
❌ SESSION WILL NOT BE RESUMED ❌
We aren’t quite sure why yet…#F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/FNTgSThjcY
— Autosport (@autosport) November 17, 2023
However, just as the commentators were pitying Stroll for his painfully bitter season outing, cameras instantly panned towards a stranded Scarlet Red Ferrari of Sainz. The Spaniard looked absolutely bewildered, and soon enough, the stewards brought out the red flags, bringing the session to what seemed like a temporary halt. But, little did we know there was more bad news to come.
What caused the damage in Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari at Las Vegas GP?
In a shocking turn of events, the stewards decided to cancel the entire session after just 10 minutes. And it turned out to be the right decision. Sainz’s retirement had absolutely nothing to do with engine or turbo failure in Ferrari, but more to do with the freshly laid rubber on the Las Vegas circuit itself.
🏁 | FIA confirms the first practice session has been canceled due to a loose drain cover.
[📸 GettyImages]#F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/gb3QpTU4B8
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) November 17, 2023
According to reports, Sainz’s car suffered extreme damage to the floor, thanks to a loose drain lid on the track. And by the looks of it, Ferrari has a long night ahead, with the huge task of replacing the entire floor on Sainz’s car before the FIA green flags FP2. Furthermore, what’s interesting is that Ferrari isn’t the only one to have bore the brunt of angry lids on the unexplored Las Vegas racing ring.
Esteban Ocon, too, has suffered significant suspension damage after running over mysterious debris. Hence, with a long day, and should we say a long weekend ahead, can F1 and the FIA put together a decent show for the fans?