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Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023: Controversy Erupts As First Practice Is Stopped Following Damage To Carlos Sainz's Car - In Pics

The Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 took a controversial turn even before its start, as the first practice of the USD 500 million race had to be stopped, nine minutes into the session on Thursday night. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr ran over a water valve cover that badly damaged his car. Sainz is said to have hit the concrete frame around the cover. Another 11 minutes later, all cars were called off track so as to inspect the entire circuit. The start of a second practice scheduled for Thursday midnight was delayed, and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur raged that the “just unacceptable” incident would keep Sainz from participating. Ferrari had to replace the entire chassis and other components and was summoned to speak to F1's stewards to determine if the repairs would draw a penalty.

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The Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 took a controversial turn even before its start, as the first practice of the USD 500 million race had to be stopped, nine minutes into the session on Thursday night. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr ran over a water valve cover that badly damaged his car. Sainz is said to have hit the concrete frame around the cover. Another 11 minutes later, all cars were called off track so as to inspect the entire circuit. The start of a second practice scheduled for Thursday midnight was delayed, and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur raged that the “just unacceptable” incident would keep Sainz from participating. Ferrari had to replace the entire chassis and other components and was summoned to speak to F1's stewards to determine if the repairs would draw a penalty.

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