After a disappointing start to the much-anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, fans are less than excited for the qualifying session. The viewers were asked to leave the grandstands before the FP2 after waiting for a good ninety minutes.
The first practice session was disrupted by an awful circumstance for spectators as Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz ran into a loose drain cover, causing a lengthy delay. Fans were forced to leave the circuit premises after the police threatened to arrest them for trespassing.
With only a few minutes remaining in the shifts for stewards and event staff, organizers had to make a crucial decision: clearing the fan zones and seats. The grandstands had become vacant after the track received the necessary repairs and testing. The Las Vegas Grand Prix Organizers issued a statement citing the reasons behind their disappointing move.
Qualifyong… Almost empty… 🙃#f1 #lasvegasgp pic.twitter.com/37DJNzgbVt
— Alex Harrington (@AlexDoesF1) November 18, 2023
Nevertheless, despite all attempts to draw in more American viewers, these events had a domino effect on the race. As the qualifying session began, more than half of the seats were empty. Considering the exorbitant prices fans paid to get hold of the tickets for the three-day Grand Prix, this came off as a shock for everyone.
Why were the fans evacuated from the Las Vegas GP on Friday?
The on-track events ended on Friday morning at 4 A.M. local time, which was nearly three hours later than scheduled. The task of checking and fastening every water valve cover along the track created this delay.
The interruption began when Sainz severely damaged the underside of his car by running over the lid which was dislodged by Esteban Ocon’s Alpine. Fans at a practice session held late at night saw only nine minutes of action before the practice was halted for an extended time.
Track surveillance footage when Carlos Sainz ran over the drain cover at Las Vegas GP…💥
Clearly see the extent of the damage his Ferrari suffered with sparks flying off the floor…😬#LasVegasGP #f1lasvegas #F1 pic.twitter.com/gNesBm3T0c
— Opinionated Fan (@OpinionatedSF19) November 17, 2023
After the concrete framework around a water valve cover, the race was eventually canceled. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added to the statement issued by the organizers.
He stated, “The delay in the start of the second free practice session from midnight to 2.30 AM created risks for our employees and our fans. we were concerned about our public safety and security officials who had been in service for a long time and who are being asked to work for the next three nights.”
Wilm and Domenicali also talked about what had to be done to get the track ready for FP2. The decision to make the change was made very cautiously, with the safety of drivers, officials, fans, and trackside marshals always coming first. They thanked the quick and effective efforts of the contractors and extended gratitude for their speedy work in resolving the issue.