Norris Tops Red Flag-Interrupted Las Vegas FP2 Amid Manhole Cover Issues

Lando Norris led a chaotic second practice session for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which saw two red flags in its final 20 minutes due to a suspected loose manhole cover at Turn 17. The session, preceded by light rain, saw drivers gradually find pace on a slippery track, with times improving significantly as the circuit rubbered in. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc initially set the pace on medium tires, but McLaren's Lando Norris ultimately topped the leaderboard with a soft-tire run, just 0.03 seconds ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Why it matters:

Beyond the immediate practice results, the persistent issue with the manhole cover highlights critical infrastructure concerns for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. Track integrity is paramount for driver safety and the smooth running of a race weekend, especially on a high-speed street circuit. The repeated stoppages not only disrupt team preparations but also raise questions about the readiness and safety standards of the new venue.

The Details:

• Initial Conditions: The session began with light rain, making the track slippery and leading to a slow start as drivers cautiously explored grip levels.
• Pace Progression: It took roughly half the session for drivers to surpass Charles Leclerc's FP1 benchmark of 1m34.802s, indicating the challenging initial conditions.
• Leclerc's Early Lead: Charles Leclerc initially set the best time on medium tires with a 1m33.763s, a full second faster than his FP1 best.
• Soft Tire Advantage: Andrea Kimi Antonelli then moved to the top on soft tires, only to be narrowly edged out by Lando Norris, who recorded a 1m33.602s.
• Red Flag Incidents: The session was red-flagged twice in quick succession during the final 20 minutes:
  • First Red Flag: Reported with 21 minutes remaining due to a suspected loose drain cover at Turn 17. After a 15-minute inspection, the session briefly resumed.
  • Leclerc's Gearbox Issue: Upon resumption, Leclerc experienced a gearbox issue at Turn 5, parking his Ferrari and ending his session early. This issue did not impact his competitive standing as the second red flag soon followed.
  • Second Red Flag: The session was red-flagged again almost immediately due to continued concerns over the Turn 17 drain cover, preventing any further meaningful running.
• Top 10: Following Norris, Antonelli, and Leclerc, the top 10 included Nico Hulkenberg, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, George Russell, Alex Albon, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton.
• Oscar Piastri's Struggle: Title contender Oscar Piastri finished 14th, unable to improve on his medium-tire time during his limited soft-tire running.

The Big Picture:

The recurrent drain cover problem in Las Vegas FP2 is a significant setback for a highly anticipated, high-profile event. While individual driver performances are notable, especially Norris topping the timesheets, the primary takeaway is the operational challenge posed by the track infrastructure. Ensuring safety and a fair competitive environment will be paramount for the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend, particularly in a city known for its meticulous attention to detail and spectacle.

What's Next:

FIA race control will undoubtedly be working closely with circuit officials to thoroughly address and resolve the drain cover issue before any further track action. Teams will have limited data from FP2 due to the interruptions, making FP3 and qualifying even more critical for fine-tuning car setups. All eyes will be on track safety and the smooth execution of the remaining sessions to ensure a successful first Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.