P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 pundits Jenson Button and Karun Chandhok believe Ferrari should have been granted an exemption from the FIA to make penalty-free changes to Carlos Sainz’s car.
Carlos Sainz’s power unit and survival cell were severely damaged when he ran over a loose water valve cover during first practice in Las Vegas, leading to the cancellation of FP1. Ferrari requested permission from the stewards to repair the car without facing grid penalties, but their request was denied. Although sympathetic to Ferrari’s situation, the stewards emphasized the importance of respecting the regulations. This decision sparked a debate during Sky’s coverage of the delayed second practice, with pundits questioning the stewards’ verdict. Jenson Button and Karun Chandhok both expressed their agreement that an exception could have been made in this unique circumstance, and that all the teams would have likely agreed to it. McLaren boss Zak Brown also expressed surprise at the decision, stating that his team would have supported Ferrari not receiving a penalty. Fortunately, Sainz’s car was repaired in time for him to participate in FP2.
