F1 in Vegas

Brundle claims F1 'dodged a bullet' over Las Vegas chaos

The race delivered some intense wheel-to-wheel action despite initial concerns about the event

Edward Hardy

Tuesday 21 November 2023 13:57

Martin Brundle has stated that Formula 1 'dodged a bullet' after the chaotic start to the weekend's action at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

With F1 returning to Las Vegas for the first time since the 1980s, concerns were abound that the weekend would be more of a show than a sporting event.

Thursday's FP1 session witnessed a rocky start as a manhole cover came loose and embedded itself in Carlos Sainz’s car, ending the session after less than 10 minutes.

Article continues under video

While Brundle admitted this was the 'worst possible start' for the event, repairs were swiftly conducted.

Carlos Sainz's Ferrari suffered serious damage from the incident in FP1

Thankfully, the racing did get underway, with the rest of the weekend sticking to the original schedule

Max Verstappen went on to claim victory for Red Bull at the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Despite certain reservations, including criticism from Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, Sky Sports pundit and former F1 driver Brundle has praised the race for the 'adrenaline-pumping action fans craved'.

Brundle: F1 dodged a bullet

“The Las Vegas GP would nonetheless have disappointed some folk, being those who were desperate for the glitzy show to fail," he wrote in his Sky Sports column.

"Mind you, Thursday's FP1 efforts with the water valve covers making a bid for freedom, allowing just a few minutes of track running, generated the worst possible start.

“Hours later, with fan and hospitality areas unceremoniously cleared out apparently due to safety and transportation issues, and with repairs hurriedly made, F1 placed all its money on black fast-drying materials and sent the cars out for 90 minutes at 2.30am.

“With exhaust notes echoing through the empty grandstands it felt surreal to be trackside, but the gamble paid off and 'Vegas, baby' was finally underway. F1 dodged a bullet there.”