F1 News: Ferrari still chasing Vegas GP organizers for $2m Sainz compensation

Las Vegas Grand Prix

Ferrari still chasing Vegas GP organizers for $2m Sainz compensation

The Spaniard's car was wrecked by a loose drain cover in practice

Chris Deeley

Saturday 17 February 2024 02:57

Ferrari are still looking to extract compensation from the organizers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix for the damage done to Carlos Sainz's car at the 2023 edition of the event.

Sainz's car was destroyed by a loose drain cover at the inaugural event on the streets of Sin City, a moment which started a chain reaction of issues for the race organizers.

Practice sessions had to be delayed substantially as the track was made safe for the rigors of Formula 1 racing which, coupled with the night-time sessions, led to fans being escorted out having seen next to no track time.

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A number of those fans are still exploring their legal options after they were offered a merchandise voucher instead of any monetary compensation, creating a negative sensation around the weekend before the first day had even finished.

Carlos Sainz had a difficult weekend at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix

The coming season will be Carlos Sainz's last with Ferrari, as he's set to be replaced by Lewis Hamilton

Vasseur: Compensation is a work in progress

Team principal Fred Vasseur was asked whether any progress had been made in reaching an agreement at the team's launch this week, and said: "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."

Asked if that meant that another party, likely the organizer, would be picking up the tab, he added: "I think this is the normal and logical outcome, and we are working on that."

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Carlos Sainz Las Vegas Grand Prix