Las Vegas GP: Manhole Cover Drama Halts FP2 as Norris Leads

Lando Norris topped the second free practice session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but the session was marred by persistent manhole cover issues, leading to two red flags and cutting short crucial running time for many drivers.

Why it matters:

After a disastrous opening day with FP1 being canceled due to a loose manhole cover, similar problems resurfaced in FP2, raising serious questions about track safety and preparedness. This ongoing saga directly impacts driver preparation, team strategies, and the overall integrity of the much-hyped Las Vegas Grand Prix, frustrating teams and fans alike.

The Details:

• FP2 Start: The session began quietly, with drivers initially hesitant to venture out. Lewis Hamilton and Franco Colapinto briefly topped the timesheets before Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli took charge.
• Norris's Pace: Lando Norris, after an early scare with rear grip, eventually set the fastest lap with a 1:33.602, just 0.029 seconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli. Charles Leclerc, despite late-session gear shift issues, secured third place.
• Grip Challenges: Many drivers, including Norris, Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, and Isack Hadjar, struggled with the lack of grip on the new street circuit, leading to several near-misses and trips into escape roads.
• First Red Flag: With 20 minutes remaining and several drivers on flying laps, the session was red-flagged due to a report of a possible loose manhole cover before Turn 17. Race Control conducted an inspection, declaring the track safe to resume with only six minutes left.
• Second Red Flag & Early End: Immediately after the restart, Charles Leclerc reported a gear shift issue and was told to stop. Crucially, Race Control personnel who had remained on-site reported the manhole cover was still moving as cars passed over it. This led to a second red flag and the session being permanently halted with two minutes remaining, much to the frustration of drivers attempting personal bests.
• Results: Despite the chaotic end, Norris's time held, followed by Antonelli, Leclerc, Hulkenberg, and Hadjar.

The big picture:

The recurring manhole cover problems in Las Vegas cast a significant shadow over a Grand Prix that has been years in the making and involved massive investment. For a sport that prides itself on precision and safety, these repeated infrastructure failures are a major embarrassment. While FP1 was entirely lost, the interrupted FP2 meant teams couldn't complete their planned running, especially on soft tires for qualifying simulations, leaving many questions unanswered about true pace and setup going into qualifying.

What's next:

Track officials will undoubtedly conduct further, more rigorous inspections and repairs on the manhole covers before qualifying and the race. The primary focus will be on ensuring the absolute safety of the circuit. However, the disrupted practice sessions mean teams will go into qualifying with less data and understanding of the track's nuances, potentially leading to an unpredictable and exciting qualifying session. The FIA and local organizers face immense pressure to prevent any further issues and restore confidence in the event.