“FIA, it’s unacceptable!”: drivers protest over 2023 F1 Las Vegas track conditions. Drivers raised concerns with the FIA about the track conditions in Las Vegas.

The start of the 2023 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix led to several issues, both among the front-runners and in the midfield. Drivers, with Carlos Sainz at the forefront, raised concerns with the FIA about the track conditions at the beginning of the race, affected by the presence of oil spilled by the cars used for the pre-race Parade.

As the lights went out for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, issues arose immediately. Several drivers, including Carlos Sainz, were involved in contacts or spins that compromised their race.

The Spanish Ferrari driver was categorical. Sainz identified the likely cause of the incidents, expressing his dissatisfaction with the FIA and giving them a stern rebuke. “I saw a lot of oil coming out of the cars used for the drivers’ parade,” explained Sainz. “It’s another thing that the FIA should investigate…”

The Madrid-born driver explained the difficulties faced, due to the oil on the track, at the start of the Grand Prix. “It’s not right that the oil was on the inside line. Aside from the already dirty track in that spot, we had cars leaking oil an hour before the race.”

“It’s unacceptable,” thundered Carlos Sainz, “this probably caused the incidents in turn 1.”

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Following in Carlos Sainz’s footsteps, Pierre Gasly also wanted to express his opinion. “It was not pleasant,” admitted the Frenchman, “I’ve already discussed it with the FIA. I’m sure we’ll change some things because it’s not really fair that some drivers had to start on the oil. I’m confident they will resolve the situation.”

More diplomatic was George Russell, in his role as head of the GPDA. The Englishman, however, condemned the recurrence: “It’s not the first time it has happened, and it was shocking to see how unpleasant it was.” The Mercedes driver wanted to thank the staff who did a good job cleaning the grid before the race: “They did a good job.” – the Mercedes driver concluded.