FIA Addresses Manhole Concerns at Las Vegas Grand Prix
In a proactive move, the FIA implemented urgent repairs and inspections of manhole assemblies ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend following a disruption during the second practice session (FP2) Thursday night.
Red flags were deployed in the final quarter of FP2 when marshals reported a loose manhole cover near Turn 17. The session was briefly halted for inspection, leading to additional delays as concerns over the cover’s stability persisted.
Subsequent inspections revealed a defect in the closure mechanism of the problematic manhole cover. “A specific fault was found with the closure mechanism, and it was possible to address this issue overnight,” stated the FIA. In addition, the cover has since been welded to enhance its security.
As a precaution, officials also reinspected 14 other manhole covers along the circuit, applying additional welding where necessary to mitigate potential risks posed by racing speeds.
This is the second instance of manhole-related issues at the Las Vegas circuit in recent races; a drain cover was raised during FP1 in 2023, causing significant disruption and damage to Carlos Sainz’s vehicle. However, Thursday’s actions reflect a proactive approach, allowing race control to address potential hazards prior to any accidents.
The resurfaced focus on track safety underscores the FIA’s commitment to maintaining optimal racing conditions amid the high stakes of motorsports events.
