P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz faces a minimum 10-place grid penalty for Formula 1’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix because of the damage his Ferrari sustained from the track, despite even the stewards being reluctant to penalise him
Despite Ferrari’s efforts to have the penalty waived, Carlos Sainz will face a minimum 10-place grid penalty for the Las Vegas Grand Prix after his car was destroyed in first practice due to an extraordinary incident involving a loose water valve inspection cover along the Strip. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed anger and called the situation “unacceptable,” as the extent of the damage was significant. The stewards admitted that they would have preferred not to penalize Sainz, recognizing that the incident was caused by highly unusual external circumstances. However, they stated that they were obliged to apply the rules as written and could not grant a derogation. Ferrari now has to decide whether to accept the penalty or change more components and start Sainz from the pitlane, adding to the financial burden of repairing the damage. Esteban Ocon’s car also suffered heavy damage from the same incident, but his team, Alpine, was able to rebuild his car without incurring any engine-related grid penalties.
