WATCH: Carlos Sainz’s drain cover nightmare at Las Vegas GP 2023

As Formula 1 heads into the much-anticipated 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, a dramatic incident from last year’s race remains fresh in memory. The glitzy return of F1 to the Las Vegas Strip in 2023, after a 40-year hiatus, was overshadowed by a bizarre and dangerous collision involving Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

The incident occurred during FP1 on the newly minted 3.85-mile street circuit, weaving through Las Vegas landmarks and utilizing the famous Strip. Esteban Ocon’s Alpine initially struck a loose water valve cover, dislodging it and leaving it perilously exposed. Moments later, Sainz’s Ferrari collided with the same cover, leading to a cascade of sparks as his car sustained significant damage.

WATCH the video here:

CCTV footage of Sainz hitting the drain cover in FP1 #F1#LasVegasGrandPrixpic.twitter.com/VV5O3fmqBT

— Jean (@__JustJean) November 17, 2023

The moment Carlos Sainz hit a drain cover on the Las Vegas strip, causing FP1 to be cancelled 👀 pic.twitter.com/KIMbuZoteY

— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) November 17, 2023

Footage captured by fans and traffic cameras revealed the violent aftermath, with Sainz’s Ferrari limping down the track. Spectators watching nearby reacted with audible gasps as the vehicle passed, clearly compromised. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks associated with street circuits, especially those that double as public roads during the day.

FIA handed Sainz a huge penalty!

The consequences for Ferrari were severe. Sainz’s car required extensive repairs, including the replacement of the survival cell, internal combustion engine, energy store, and control electronic—components deemed, “damaged beyond repair.” The incident forced an immediate red flag just eight minutes into FP1, and the session was eventually abandoned.

FP2 faced a significant delay of two and a half hours as FIA officials inspected and secured all 30 water valve covers around the track. Despite acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances, FIA regulations left Sainz with a grid penalty for exceeding his allocated pool of spare parts. The decision sparked frustration within the Ferrari camp and among fans, as the penalty seemed unfair given the nature of the incident.

The 2023 Las Vegas GP, heavily hyped as a spectacle of grandeur, faced other challenges, including exorbitant ticket prices, sky-high hotel rates, and disruptions that angered locals. However, the drain cover fiasco added an unexpected layer of drama, turning the inaugural race into a cautionary tale.