2023 US GP Las Vegas - Practice & Qualifying thread

[stefa]

It started spectacularly!!

FP1 cut short for circuit repairs after Sainz hits drain

The opening Formula 1 free practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix has been called off after 20 minutes, having been red-flagged for a Carlos Sainz stoppage.

[Kyss4k]

That was terrifying. I've watched the onboards of all drivers that were around Carlos at the time of him hitting the drain cover and damn the view from Zhou gave me chills. It was like a huge explosion, when Carlos hit it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCmI...=VascoFerreira

and video from trafic cam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEZX...rmulaNewsToday

[Kyss4k]

https://twitter.com/i/status/1725412647766491213

[Kyss4k]

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.

Sainz's car is done. The chassis is cracked, floor is destroyed, battery is damaged and so is the power unit. Ocon as well has a damaged chassis which needs to be replaced.

[stefa]

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.

Sainz's car is done. The chassis is cracked, floor is destroyed, battery is damaged and so is the power unit. Ocon as well has a damaged chassis which needs to be replaced.

To whom Ferrari sends the bill for repairs?

[tifosi1993]

It's a dumb decision to have 3 races in one single country, where drama and "show" are more important than actual sporting event. Max was right with his assessment of Vegas being 99% show and 1% sport.

[stefa]

https://x.com/FanaticsFerrari/status/1725452051046351349?s=20

Great!!!!

[Greig]

Liberty are killing off the final remains of F1 as a sport.

[Aviamata]

Liberty are killing off the final remains of F1 as a sport.

F1 is more like WWE than racing sports

[stefa]

Liberty are killing off the final remains of F1 as a sport.

[JPZ]

Will they have to replace the engine and/or gearbox or other components on Sainz' car?

[Redfive]

Liberty are killing off the final remains of F1 as a sport.

That's my feeling too. They are utterly killing it off.
I know Bernie has his problems but he knew how to run F1, these clowns do not.

[tifosi1993]

We are seeing the Americanisation of F1. Three races in one country is too much and way too much emphasis have been put on the glitz and glamours, too little on the safety aspect. It's an utter travesty that Ferrari had been punished for FIA's incompetence.

But for the first time in the season, the car genuinely looks like it can win a race. Which means something will go wrong for us, probably.

[tifosi1993]

[Rishu]

I think I heard this track was homologated minutes before FP1, this is just bizarre. Sainz is lucky, the hole was restricted only to his car chassis. Vegas unfortunately going Miami way. I guess Austin alone in US is just fine. Get back Sepang for god sake

[JPZ]

I think I heard this track was homologated minutes before FP1, this is just bizarre. Sainz is lucky, the hole was restricted only to his car chassis. Vegas unfortunately going Miami way. I guess Austin alone in US is just fine. Get back Sepang for god sake

I liked the Indianapolis circuit.

If any there was any US race, I'd prefer that one.

[Rishu]

I liked the Indianapolis circuit.

If any there was any US race, I'd prefer that one.

2005 still haunts, I think Indianapolis was meant for Nascar not F1. Or unless they made modification in the final corner

[Kyss4k]

The crazy thing is, I saw the maintanance guys removing the covers after the red flag and THESE WERE NOT welded! All it took to remove them was a quick unscrew by a power tool and they were off. What the ****? How could this pass the homolagiton?

[stefa]

The crazy thing is, I saw the maintanance guys removing the covers after the red flag and THESE WERE NOT welded! All it took to remove them was a quick unscrew by a power tool and they were off. What the ****? How could this pass the homolagiton?

Hollywoodisation!

[Brembo]

Hollywoodisation!

Nothing compares with Masi giving aWDC to Max ! Hollywoodisation of the worst kind. Millions of fans lost out seeing the 8th WDC !!

[Red Empire]

Ferrari can do the battery change without a grid penalty, but all F1 teams must agree to it. All teams were agree except one. Guess who is the cry baby team boss?

Yes, you are right is Toto and Mercedes. No sportmanship at all in that rat's nest.

[patrese86]

Good q1 from us

[tifosi1993]

Charles wasn't happy with his Q3 lap but still got the pole. Well done.

[tifosi1993]

P1 and P12 instead of P1-P2, just because of the FIA.

[Greig]

Good job lets hope its a pole to flag win for Charles.

[tifosi1993]

[patrese86]

Great job by everyone. Think we have a few strong points to a circuit/conditions such as this but mainly low temps and low downforce help. I wonder how much engine cooling has held us back as well because I doubt that's an issue this weekend and Ferrari PU seems strong round here

[Kyss4k]

So sad that FIA is not competent enough to correct their mess up and not give Carlos a penalty for something they caused. Front row lockout would be so sweet to see. But fantastic work by everyone in Ferrari.

[nani_s23]

Good job lets hope its a pole to flag win for Charles.

Max does have additional set of mediums I guess which is massive advantage

[stefa]

Good job lets hope its a pole to flag win for Charles.