P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has denied that first practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix being abandoned has caused
The return of F1 to Las Vegas after 41 years was marred by a loose drain cover that caused damage to two cars during the first practice session. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s car came to a halt when he hit the loose cover, causing significant damage to his car. Esteban Ocon of Alpine also suffered damage, resulting in a complete chassis change. The practice session was not restarted in order to check and secure all drain covers around the track. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff defended the situation, saying that it was not a major issue and that the focus should be on the overall success of the event. He emphasized that incidents like these happen occasionally and should not overshadow the efforts put into organizing the Grand Prix.
