Las Vegas, November 21, 2025
The second practice session for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix was twice interrupted by red flags due to a loose drain cover near Turn 17, raising safety concerns and forcing an early end to the session as officials could not secure the cover.
Red Flag Disruptions in Practice
The FP2 session at the Las Vegas GP faced two stoppages when track workers and marshals reported that a drain (manhole) cover near Turn 17 was unstable and shifted under the weight of passing cars. As a precautionary measure, race control deployed red flags to halt the session. Despite attempts to inspect and stabilize the cover using quick-setting concrete—necessitated by Nevada law prohibiting welding—the issue persisted, preventing the session from resuming and depriving teams and drivers of critical track time.
Recurring Infrastructure Issues at Las Vegas GP
This incident echoes a similar problem in 2023, when a water valve cover became loose on the same circuit, resulting in damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and a subsequent grid penalty. The recurring issue exposes ongoing challenges for street circuits that incorporate existing city infrastructure not designed for the high speeds and loads of Formula 1 cars. Safety concerns related to such infrastructure have become a focal point in assessing the preparedness of the Las Vegas event.
Regulatory and Safety Context
The FIA has clarified that Nevada state regulations do not allow welding drain covers to secure them, compelling organizers to rely on temporary fixes such as the use of fast-setting concrete. Despite these measures, repeated occurrences underscore the difficulties in maintaining a permanent, race-grade solution for infrastructure elements embedded in city streets. This has fueled debate among stakeholders regarding the balance between spectacle and safety at one of F1’s most high-profile and challenging urban circuits.
Driver and Team Reactions
Drivers and teams expressed frustration over the lost running time, which is essential for setting up the cars optimally ahead of qualifying. Carlos Sainz, involved in the prior 2023 incident, voiced concern about the resurfacing of the issue and the memories associated with it. The interruptions have hampered preparations and may have implications for competitive performance and safety assurance.
Significance for the Event and Street Circuit Challenges
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit’s unique challenges stem from its adaptation of public city roads for Formula 1 racing, an approach that often involves compromises in infrastructure suitability. Such issues with drain and valve covers have become a troubling pattern, prompting oversight bodies and organizers to consider more robust safeguards. The repeated red flags underline the importance of thorough infrastructure evaluation and remediation before race weekends to ensure both driver safety and uninterrupted competition.
Efforts to address these vulnerabilities will be critical for the ongoing viability and reputation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix as a marquee event in the Formula 1 calendar.