Source:REUTERS/DARRON CUMMINGS
[Saba Sports News] During the first practice session
of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s SF23 car suffered
severe damage to its underbody when a loose drain cover was lifted as the car
approached speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour. Ultimately, Sainz’s car
required the replacement of the driver protection unit, internal combustion
engine, energy storage system, and electronic control systems. Due to the power
unit replacement, Sainz was handed a penalty of a 10-place grid drop for the
main race. Currently, the Ferrari team is in discussions with the organizers of
the Las Vegas Grand Prix regarding compensation to recover the repair costs for
the SF23. Frederick Vassel, the head of the Ferrari team, believes that this
damage was caused by human error, and the race organizers bear full
responsibility. Due to budget constraints and with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
being the final race of the year, if negotiations for compensation break down,
Ferrari may consider withdrawing from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to offset the
additional repair expenses incurred at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.