F1 fans say the same thing about the Las Vegas Grand Prix as drain covers cause red flags again

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The end of FP2 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix was heavily disrupted as a loose manhole cover led to two red flags.

Lando Norris was fastest in the session, but there was virtually no running in the final 21 minutes. The explanation for the stoppage was initially unclear.

It soon emerged that the drain cover between turns 16 and 17 was at risk of being dislodged. Then-Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz infamously sustained heavy damage from one of the grids on F1’s first visit to the circuit in 2023.

FP1 was quickly abandoned that year, with FP2 subsequently delayed by two and a half hours and fans asked to leave.

F1 fans question whether Las Vegas is a suitable venue after red flags

It’s worth noting that last year’s practice sessions were a far smoother affair, and that both races in Vegas so far have generally been entertaining. Max Verstappen was made to work for his 2023 win, having dominated most other races, while Lewis Hamilton’s charge from 10th to second last season was spectacular.

However, the teams are unlikely to be happy about missing out on their critical race simulations, two years after FP1 was effectively wiped out.

And fans are voicing their displeasure about the Las Vegas Grand Prix on social media too. “If the drain covers are going to be a problem, maybe you should race somewhere else,” one wrote.

Another called for F1 to ‘get back’ to traditional circuits, while the track was also labelled ‘stupid’ and ‘terrible’.

A fellow viewer said it was ‘absurd’ to ‘wake up so early’ and watch a curtailed session. The session took place at 4am for UK viewers and 5am for those in mainland Europe.

“I want this race to work, but it’s such a mess.”

Oliver Bearman calls the Las Vegas Grand Prix ‘dangerous’

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman is among the drivers tackling the circuit for the first time this weekend. His review after Friday’s sessions was damning.

Bearman said the track was neither ‘enjoyable’ nor safe. In his eyes, driving down the iconic Strip is the only redeeming feature.

“This is the least enjoyable street track I’ve driven,” he said. “Normally, they’re really fun and great. This one, really, really low grip, which is not a great combination when you have the walls so close.

“It’s incredibly high-speed, which is dangerous. It’s cool to be racing down The Strip in Las Vegas, but aside from that, there’s not much good stuff.”

The race, which is managed directly by F1 owners Liberty Media, is contracted to remain on the calendar until at least 2027.