FIA Scrambles to Repair Las Vegas GP Track After Manhole Nightmare Returns
The Las Vegas Grand Prix once again found itself battling a familiar and frustrating enemy: loose manhole covers. After Thursday night’s practice session was abruptly halted due to suspicions of another manhole failure, FIA officials and circuit workers were forced into emergency action—sparking memories of the chaotic scenes from the 2023 race weekend.
Thursday’s FP2 practice session was progressing normally until a track marshal spotted something alarming. As cars approached one section of the circuit, a manhole cover appeared to shift under the force and vibration of the passing machinery. With safety at risk and the potential for catastrophic car damage, race control immediately threw the red flag, bringing the session to an early stop with about 20 minutes left on the clock.
For fans and teams, the moment felt eerily familiar. In 2023, during the inaugural modern Las Vegas GP weekend, Carlos Sainz suffered significant damage to his Ferrari after running over a loose manhole cover, an incident that not only halted practice but also caused extensive delays as the track was inspected and dozens of covers were welded. That memory—still fresh for many—cast a shadow over Thursday’s events.
FIA Acts Swiftly to Prevent a Repeat Disaster
Determined to avoid another PR disaster and ensure driver safety, the FIA and circuit maintenance crew worked through the night. In a statement released on Friday morning ahead of FP3, officials confirmed that the troublesome manhole was taken apart completely to diagnose the root cause. Their inspection revealed a specific mechanical fault within its locking mechanism—one that could allow the lid to shift when cars passed directly over it.
The FIA explained that the issue was promptly corrected. But they didn’t stop there.
To guarantee absolute stability, the manhole cover was reinforced with additional welding—a method now becoming something of a tradition in Las Vegas. In addition, every other manhole close to the racing line was re-evaluated to avoid any hidden vulnerabilities. During this extensive overnight audit, 14 more manhole assemblies were identified as needing reinforcement and were subsequently welded.
This proactive, large-scale effort highlighted just how seriously officials took the threat of another failure. After all, a single loose cover could cause millions in damage and pose serious danger to drivers travelling at over 300 km/h.
FP3 Goes Ahead—But Weather Adds New Drama
Thanks to the emergency overnight repairs, FP3 went ahead as scheduled with no structural interruptions on track. However, the chaos did not disappear—instead, it arrived in the form of unstable Nevada weather.
After a day of inconsistent rain, the Las Vegas strip-based track remained damp in many places. Drivers initially rolled out on intermediate tyres to deal with the moisture. Grip was limited, visibility was inconsistent, and the margins for error were razor thin. But as the session progressed and the racing line began to dry, teams switched over to slick tyres to continue their setup work for qualifying.
What followed was a session filled with tension, near-misses, and plenty of heart-stopping moments. Drivers struggled through sections of the track where water lingered, creating unpredictable patches of low grip. Gabriel Bortoleto provided one of the biggest scares when he suffered a massive snap of oversteer, nearly spinning out at high speed. The incident was so sudden and dramatic that commentators joked he might need a fresh race suit afterward.
Despite these slippery challenges, all twenty drivers managed to keep their cars out of the barriers—a welcome contrast to the disruptions of the previous evening.
A Weekend on Edge
The latest manhole scare underscores the fragile relationship between Las Vegas’ unique street configuration and the intense demands of modern Formula 1 machinery. While the neon-lit spectacle of the race attracts global attention, the infrastructure beneath the glitz continues to pose engineering obstacles.
Still, the FIA’s swift and comprehensive intervention provided reassurance heading into qualifying. With repairs complete, officials expressed confidence that the track is now secure for the remainder of the weekend.
But with unpredictable weather, a history of infrastructure hiccups, and rising championship tension, the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend is shaping up to be anything but ordinary. For drivers, teams, and fans, the question remains: will the thrills stay on the track—or will Las Vegas deliver more unexpected drama before the checkered flag falls?
