F1 News: Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon's Full Damage Revealed After Dramatic Las Vegas GP Start
In a dramatic twist at the Las Vegas Grand Prix FP1, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon encountered substantial damage due to a dislodged water valve cover. This incident has led to a complete overhaul of their racing chassis.
Key Takeaways:
- Significant Ferrari Damage: Carlos Sainz's Ferrari bore the brunt of the impact from the dislodged water valve cover, resulting in a large hole in the floor of the car, a detail vividly described by journalist Tobi Grüner.
- Chassis Replacement for Both Drivers: The extent of the damage has compelled both Sainz and Ocon to switch to new chassis, significantly affecting their race preparation and strategy.
- Safety Measures and FIA Response: Following the incident, the FIA is diligently inspecting all track covers and has undertaken repair work, including welding and cementing the damaged cover, to enhance track safety.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a highlight in the F1 calendar, was off to a dramatic start with an unexpected incident affecting Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon. A dislodged water valve cover on the track led to severe damage to their cars, prompting a red flag which later turned into the whole of FP1 being cancelled.
Detailing the extent of the damage, Auto, Motor und Sport journalist Tobi Grüner reported on X:
"We hear the top part of the drain pipe that got loose has a cylindrical shape. It caused a big hole in the floor of the Ferrari. It was even possible to see the road through the cockpit."
The aftermath of this incident has forced both Sainz and Ocon to adopt completely new chassis.
The FIA has now taken proactive steps to ensure track safety in response to this unforeseen event. All track covers are being thoroughly inspected to prevent similar incidents. From footage I captured at the race, it looks as though they're filling every single hole with cement.