Scuderia Ferrari’s promising weekend at Las Vegas 2023 was partially marred by Carlos Sainz’s manhole cover incident. Fred Vasseur’s team expressed the intention to appeal to seek compensation. What is the current situation?
Eight minutes for an endless weekend. The green light that signaled the start of the first free practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix marked the beginning of a promising weekend for the Prancing Horse. While the team secured the front row in qualifying, the two Ferrari drivers were unable to start side by side on the grid.
To shatter Carlos Sainz’s dreams of glory in the glamour of the Sin City, a ten-place penalty was imposed on the Spaniard. The sanction was handed down by the stewards to Carlos Sainz – inevitably – after the replacement of the survival cell, engine, battery pack, and control unit, necessitated by the incident in the first free practice session.
Right on the Strip, just minutes into the session, a poorly secured manhole cover caused minor damage to Esteban Ocon’s car, leading to Carlos Sainz’s incident. Despite the universally recognized “unpredictable” cause of the damage, attributed to a “defect” in the track, the Spanish driver started twelfth, ultimately finishing sixth in the race.
In November 2023, Scuderia Ferrari announced its intention to further investigate the matter with the aim of obtaining compensation. Today, on the eve of the 2024 championship, Fred Vasseur has updated the media on the Las Vegas issue.
The team – as stated by the French team principal – has not yet received any compensation. However, Fred Vasseur is not concerned: “We are still in discussions regarding this matter. Let’s say there are ongoing proceedings.” – the French manager pointed out.
Four months have passed, but the wait does not dampen the team boss’s spirits: “I believe these are normal timelines for such matters. I’m not worried; the outcome will be logical and normal. We are working towards that.” – the Ferrari team principal concluded.
Source: f1ingenerale
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