“Driver boycott until proper apology and refund” – Fans join David Croft to protest against t FIA as their statement for FP2 mishap fails to contain the word ‘sorry’
David Croft pointed out the lack of an actual apology in FIA’s statement about the disastrous opening day of the Las Vegas GP.
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Las Vegas GP (via imago)
The opening day of the most-awaited Grand Prix weekend of the 2023 calendar turned out to be a complete disaster. FIA, following the horrible opening day of the Las Vegas GP weekend, released a long statement that explained the turn of events that led to the disastrous day. David Croft, Sky Sport F1’s lead commentator, tweeted about this particular statement and pointed out the apparent lack of any remorseful or apologetic words in the statement.
To understand the entire narrative, here are the events that added up to the shameful showings on the opening day. The FP1 session was cancelled just 8 mins after it began as Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari was heavily damaged after a loose drain cover shattered the car’s floor and further damaged multiple parts of the chassis. Sainz, after escaping the terrifying incident, sustained minor injuries to his lower back. Following Sainz’s drain incident, several others loose drain covers were spotted around the 6.2 km street circuit. The total number amounted to 30.
The loose drain covers highlight a huge oversight of the F1 organisers to ensure proper safety protocols ahead of the opening day of the weekend. After spotting the 30 drain covers, the crew took over 2 hours to successfully address the issue and ensure the FP2 could run smoothly. However, this meant that the FP2 session, previously scheduled for midnight – local time, was pushed back by two and a half hours.
Enraged fans took to X upon David Croft’s remark about the FIA’s statement on FP2 fiasco
The FP2 session began at 2.30 am – local time. The several spectators, who had acquired the event’s tickets at an extravagant price, were shamefully asked to vacate the grandstand ahead of the FP2 session. The entire session took place without the presence of a single fan in the stands. This shameful turn of events took place without any announcement of a refund or even an apology. The spectators, who had eagerly anticipated the highlight event of 2023, were left enraged after the proceedings.
The FIA’s statement about the opening day did not include the word ‘sorry’. David Croft, or ‘Crofty’ as he is lovingly referred to by fans and fellow paddock members, pointed this fact out in his tweet.
Whilst a full explanation of what happened yesterday is always welcome, there are lots of words in this statement. Surely ‘sorry’ should have been first on the list? Such a shame that it wasn’t the first, the last, or anywhere.
Several fans echoed Crofty’s feeling about the statement. Some even highlighted how there was no mention of a refund in the entire statement. Others just voiced their disdain over the shameful mismanagement by the sport’s authorities. Here are some of the tweets.
The Las Vegas GP was bound to get the most buzz out of any other Grand Prix weekend of 2023, However, nobody expected the proceedings at the Sin City to turn out the way they have. This Grand Prix will be long remembered for its shameful treatment of the Drivers (with Carlos Sainz’s undeserved 10-place Grid penalty) and the extremely apparent lack of respect towards the sport’s most ardent followers – the actual spectators at the circuit.
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Himanshu Chavan
(232 Articles Published)