F1 News
Las Vegas surprises on and off the track! From loose covers to Verstappen's victory in 2023
Formula One's return to Las Vegas was very Vegas-like. In 2023, many things could surprise the fans turning in to see the event. From a strange FP1 incident to Max Verstappen taking another victory, the storylines did not disappoint.
The strange loose cover incident
FP1 barely happened last year in Las Vegas. Early on, Carlos Sainz's Ferrari was damaged in a dangerous situation and the Spaniard had to stop on track just after nine minutes. In a strange incident, the loose cover was the cause. As a result, he had to start the Grand Prix with a 10-place grid penalty as well.
In Singapore and Mexico, both Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc received penalties by the stewards for swearing this season. In Las Vegas last year, there was already a pre-sequel to that. Team principal Frederic Vasseur was heavily upset after the Sainz incident, and together with Toto Wolff, they did not shy away from telling their thoughts at the FIA's press conference. Both the Frenchman and the Austrian were 'gifted' a reprimand by the stewards as a result.
Verstappen wins in Vegas
Charles Leclerc claimed pole position in the United States. However, it was not Sainz lining up alongside him, but Max Verstappen for the aforementioned reason. After Sergio Perez famously struggled to understand where he has to go after Bruce Buffer's UFC-like introduction and just stood next to the announcer, the Grand Prix got underway.
Off the line, Verstappen did a similar move to his one this season at COTA, and was handed a five-second penalty. That was not the incident he was involved in, as he made contact later with George Russell. For the latter incident, the Briton was also awarded the same penalty. However, there was no stopping the Dutchman, who managed to claim his 18th victory of the season. On the last lap, Leclerc could also divebomb Sergio Perez, that saw the Monesgasque driver finish in second place. After the Grand Prix was completed, the three drivers could travel to the podium together in the 'cooldown limo'.
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