The opening day of the most-awaited Grand Prix weekend was a disastrous affair for the gathered spectators. As Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari was hit by a loose drain cover 8 minutes into FP1, the officials were compelled to search for other such loose drains. They encountered several other drains and had to address the problem. What followed was the cancellation of FP1 and a 5-and-a-half-hour delay to FP2 with zero track action.

Then, the Las Vegas GP organizers shamefully asked the gathered spectators to vacate the grandstand as the FP2 session began at 2.30 am – Local time. FIA further released a statement, but there was no mention of a refund for the disappointed spectators. The FIA further revealed they will offer $200 worth of merchandise vouchers to single-day ticket holders. This showcased a dismal, failed attempt at damage control as the ticket prices were much higher than the voucher’s value. What enraged fans even more was the fact that there was no compensation revealed for the ‘3-day ticket holders’.

The enraged spectators, following FIA’s shameful disregard towards them, will be relieved to know that Formula 1 has been hit with a lawsuit following the disgraceful turn of events. Dimopoulos Law Firm and co-counsel JK Legal & Consulting said they had filed a class-action lawsuit against the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix in Nevada state court on Friday on behalf of the people who purchased tickets for the practice run.

The organizers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix dismissed addressing the lawsuit and declined to comment on the litigation. Their statement about the lawsuit read;

We cannot comment on the litigation. Our focus is on ensuring that our fans have an entertaining experience in a safe and secure environment which is always our top priority.

David Croft highlights the lack of remorse in FIA’s statement over the disgraceful opening day of Las Vegas GP

The kickoff of the highly anticipated Las Vegas GP weekend faced severe setbacks. This prompted the FIA to release a detailed statement that explained the reason behind the troubled opening day at the Las Vegas GP. Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator, David Croft, took to Twitter to highlight the statement’s noticeable absence of apologetic or remorseful words as ‘sorry’.

The disastrous day began with the cancellation of the FP1 session merely 8 minutes after commencement, following a severe incident involving Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari. A loose drain cover shattered the car’s floor, causing substantial damage to various chassis components. Sainz, fortunately escaping with minor injuries to his lower back, brought attention to 30 other loose drain covers scattered across the 6.2 km street circuit.

The subsequent effort to address the issue delayed the FP2 session, originally slated for midnight local time, by two and a half hours. Criticism ensued, particularly directed at the FIA’s statement, which failed to include an apology. Crofty’s tweet emphasized the absence of the word ‘sorry,’ expressing disappointment at its omission throughout the statement. The caption on Crofty’s tweet read;

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.

In case you missed it:

• $400 Million worth NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal spotted at the Las Vegas GP

• WATCH: “Our newest pit crew member,” World’s fastest man Usain Bolt joins the Alfa Romeo crew for pit practice at the Las Vegas GP

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