Formula One enthusiasts were incensed as they were compelled to vacate their seats at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, having witnessed merely eight minutes of on-track action.
The inaugural practice session at the newly introduced Las Vegas Strip Circuit commenced on Friday morning (Thursday at 8:30 PM local time), generating excitement as cars raced around Sin City for the first time in over four decades. However, FP1 was abruptly curtailed after eight minutes due to significant damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari caused by a loose manhole cover.
Subsequently, the session was halted and eventually canceled entirely, as the FIA deemed it necessary to ‘inspect all other manhole covers,’ a process anticipated to consume considerable time. This, in turn, delayed the commencement of FP2 by two and a half hours.
Although FP2 concluded without issues on the track, it concluded at 4:30 AM local time with no spectators present. They were forced to vacate the venue because, as reported by Sky Sports, the session exceeded the contractual obligation of circuit staff.
“Given the latest of the hour and logistical concerns regarding the safe movement of fans and employees out of the circuit, LVGP made the difficult decision to close the fan zones prior to the beginning of Free Practice Two,’”the Las Vegas Grand Prix said in a statement.
“Ridiculous! We waited for four hours and they gave us hope, they said at 2am we’re going to have the practice and nothing happened and now they’re telling us to leave. What a night!” one disgruntled fan told Sky Sports.
“We came from Los Angeles, we fly only for today, we spent the money for the airplane, the tickets for this place and nothing!”
Another said: “That’s what the big difference is you know, the optimism, the hope that it would continue.”
