A dramatic incident occurred during a practice run at the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix on Thursday night, as a Formula One car unexpectedly turned into a flamethrower, resulting in the cancellation of the rest of the session. The shocking footage, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows several F1 cars, including a Ferrari, speeding around the track built along the famous Vegas Strip in preparation for the star-studded event.
The video captured by TMZ Sports shows the Ferrari driven by Carlos Sainz racing down the track past The Cromwell Hotel, when suddenly a burst of flames shoots out from the back of the car, causing a stunned reaction from onlookers. The incident was later revealed to be caused when Sainz drove over a loose drain cover, which resulted in serious damage to his car.
The aftermath of the fiery mishap led to Ferrari having to replace Sainz’s chassis, engine, and battery, ultimately resulting in a 10-place grid penalty for the race. Despite the dramatic turn of events, no one was injured, and thankfully, the police and fire departments did not have to respond to the scene.
Despite the setback, Sainz expressed his competitiveness and optimism for the upcoming race. He took to social media to address the situation, stating, “Eventful and long day. We seem competitive, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. However, the situation of the manhole damage and the 10-place penalty is not acceptable, but we’ll deal with it.”
Following the incident, road workers were brought in to repair the damaged manhole cover on the track, causing a delay in the second practice run. The incident, while unexpected, added an element of excitement and drama to the lead-up to the highly-anticipated Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas.
The incident also added a layer of uncertainty and anticipation for the upcoming race, particularly with the penalty imposed on Sainz. With a star-studded lineup of performers and a competitive field of F1 drivers, the event is expected to be a spectacle for racing enthusiasts and fans alike.
The dramatic turn of events during the practice run serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport and the resilience of drivers and teams in the face of unexpected challenges. As preparations continue for the Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas, anticipation and excitement are building for what promises to be a thrilling and exhilarating event, with a star-studded lineup of performers and high-stakes competition on the track.
