F1 News: Ferrari Continues Fight For Las Vegas GP Compensation After Carlos Sainz Crash
In the aftermath of a costly incident at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ferrari is steadfast in its pursuit of compensation following the damage to Carlos Sainz's car caused by a dislodged drain cover. The occurrence not only led to significant financial loss for the team but also imposed a grid penalty on Sainz due to necessary repairs.
Key Takeaways:
- Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed unprecedented frustration over the incident in Las Vegas, which resulted in Carlos Sainz incurring a grid penalty due to severe damage to his car.
- The mishap, involving a loose drain cover during the first practice session, reportedly cost Ferrari around $2 million, prompting immediate calls for financial reparation.
- Discussions between Ferrari and the Las Vegas Grand Prix organisers are ongoing, with Vasseur showing optimism about reaching a resolution.
The incident at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last season saw Carlos Sainz's Ferrari severely damaged by a loose drain cover on the track. Frederic Vasseur, the Ferrari team boss, was notably incensed by the event, which not only inflicted substantial damage on the vehicle but also forced Sainz to accept a grid penalty due to the replacement of the car's monocoque. The frustration within the Ferrari camp was palpable, given the stringent cost cap regulations in Formula 1.
The financial strain inflicted by the accident, estimated at a staggering $2 million, has put Ferrari in a position where recouping losses is not just preferable but necessary.
As the 2024 Formula 1 season edges closer, the dialogue between Ferrari and the Las Vegas Grand Prix organisers is still in progress. Despite the lack of a definitive agreement at this stage, Vasseur's recent comments to the media reveal a cautiously optimistic outlook. He commented, as quoted by GP Blog:
"We are still in talks, it is work in progress, so to speak (laughs). But I think such a time span is normal in cases like this. So I am not worried, we are going to find a solution.
"I think this is the normal and logical outcome, and we are working on that."
The prolonged negotiation process, while testing the patience of the involved parties, is not unusual for disputes of this magnitude.