Ferrari’s Vasseur Lashes Out Over Las Vegas GP Damage, Brands Incident “Unacceptable”

The Las Vegas Grand Prix was marred by a safety mishap, causing significant damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari. Team principal Frederic Vasseur’s scathing remarks about the incident captured major attention.

Key Takeaways:

• FP1 Session Curtailed: The Las Vegas GP’s first practice session was unexpectedly shortened due to a loose drain cover, causing substantial damage to cars from Ferrari, Alpine, and Alfa Romeo.
• Vasseur’s Reaction: Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed deep frustration at the FIA press conference, focusing on the severe damage and the financial and logistical challenges it presented.
• Impact on Teams: The incident forced Ferrari and Alpine to perform chassis changes, indicating the extent of the damage and the pressure on the teams.

The initial day of the Las Vegas Grand Prix took an unfortunate turn when a loose drain cover on the track disrupted the first practice session. This unforeseen incident led to extensive damage to the cars of Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Esteban Ocon (Alpine), and Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo), culminating in an abrupt end to the session and considerable challenges for the teams involved.

In the aftermath, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur’s comments stood out for their intensity and candor. During the post-session FIA press conference, Vasseur did not mince words, expressing his indignation over the incident’s impact, especially on the Ferrari car. He emphasized the substantial financial cost and the disruption to Carlos Sainz’s participation:

“We damaged completely the monocoque, the engine, the battery. I think it’s just unacceptable. It cost us a fortune. We f***ed up the session for Carlos. We won’t be part of FP2 for sure…. I think it’s just unacceptable for F1 today.”

The reaction from other team principals, like Toto Wolff, Zak Brown, and James Vowles, was more reserved, but Vasseur’s frustration was palpable. The interviewer quickly moved on from him due to his evident agitation.

This incident raises serious questions about track safety and the financial implications of such mishaps. The need for stringent safety protocols and track inspection procedures in Formula 1 has been underscored, particularly as the sport continues to expand into new venues like Las Vegas. As teams prepare for the upcoming racing weekend, the focus will undoubtedly be on both the performance on the track and the safety measures off it.