The Las Vegas Grand Prix has once again faced dislocation, this time during Free Practice 2, as a loose manhole cover caused major delays. For numerous motorists, the session ended up being largely meaningless.
Red Flags Halt Free Practice on Las Vegas F1 Circuit
The incident occurred at turn 17, where race control suspected a loose drain cover. The track was audited for 15 twinkles, performing in two red flags in the final 20 twinkles.
Rain added to the chaos, leaving most motorists unfit to change tyres in time. By the time the session proceeded, with just six twinkles remaining, meaningful stage times were nearly insolvable.
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix practice one at the main grandstand! My son is loving it pic.twitter.com/3q3UHJP99C
— Vegas Vice (@TheVegasVice) November 21, 2025
Despite the interruptions, Lando Norris set the fastest stage, followed by Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Nico Hulkenberg. Max Verstappen finished ninth, while Oscar Piastri ended up 14th.
Echoes of the 2023 Las Vegas GP Incident
This isn’t the first time the Las Vegas F1 circuit has been affected by a loose cover. In 2023, Carlos Sainz struck a drain cover during the initial race, forcing him to change buses beyond the permitted limit and resulting in a 10-place grid penalty.
The cover pierced Sainz’s auto and hardly missed his leg, pressing the troubles of similar incidents.
Two times later, another slapdash cover has again disintegrated the proper handling of the Grand Prix. suckers and brigades will be hoping that qualifying and the race go without further interruptions.
Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying is listed for Friday at 2000 original time (500 AM CET, 400 AM GMT on Saturday, November 21), with the race on Saturday night at the same time (500 AM CET, 400 AM GMT on Sunday, November 23).
