Carlos Sainz has proclaimed that the manhole cover problems that arose during second practice at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix “didn’t bring good memories”.
The opening practice session on F1’s inaugural visit to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit in 2023 was curtailed when Sainz, then with Ferrari, ran over a loose manhole cover.
The impact ripped a hole through the floor of his Ferrari, condemning him to a power unit change that came with a grid drop, costing him a front-row start for the race.
But while there were no repeat occurrences 12 months ago, FP2 was stopped on two occasions as trackside workers noticed a loose cover between Turns 16 and 17.
“Let’s see what was the issue with the drain cover or the manhole cover, whatever that was,” Sainz said.
“It doesn’t bring me very good memories, so hopefully they’re sorting it.”
The two stoppages denied drivers the chance to post representative times, making the competitive picture more obscure heading into tomorrow’s qualifying session.
“Unfortunately it took away very valuable timing for everyone, especially for me,” he added.
“I went out a bit late in the session and didn’t manage to put a lap on Softs in the end.”
However, with both Sainz and team-mate Alex Albon inside the top five in the opening practice hour, the Spaniard is optimistic that Williams is looking in good shape.
“The pace looks promising, the car balance looks okay, the tyres are a bit on the limit so quali will be tough, but I think we’re on the right track,” he assessed.
READ MORE – Lando Norris fastest in chaotic FP2 for F1 Las Vegas GP
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