P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 teams must be “flexible” over any Las Vegas GP timetable rejig, says Horner
The opening free practice session in Las Vegas had to be abandoned due to a loose manhole cover, causing damage to the cars of Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon. Zhou Guanyu also hit the loose drain but escaped serious impact. The FIA is inspecting all manhole covers to determine the necessary improvements for the track to reopen, leading to doubts about the second practice session. Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, emphasized flexibility and safety as top priorities, suggesting potential adjustments to the schedule or extending running time in P3 if necessary. Initial analysis showed that Red Bull cars were unaffected, while the Ferrari and Alpine cars suffered significant damage. Despite the limited running in the first practice session, the track’s lack of grip was a concern, although it was improving as the session was cut short. The drivers compared it to driving on slicks in wet conditions and highlighted the difficult braking zones.
