WATCH: Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc go off track in a chaotic start to the Las Vegas GP
Max Verstappen collided with Charles Leclerc on the race start at Las Vegas GP.
Drivers colliding at the Las Vegas GP start (Via F1/X)
The Las Vegas GP is underway. Fans had high expectations for the inaugural street race in Sin City. The Vegas Strip Circuit was expected to pose a major challenge for drivers due to the long straights and cold conditions. Subsequently, the start of the race was full of chaos with Max Verstappen being among the multiple drivers who made contact into Turn 1.
Max Verstappen got off to a good start alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc. However, a clip on X showed that both drivers seemed to struggle at the corner entry. With the Dutch driver pushing the Ferrari onto the run-off area. The two drivers made contact with Verstappen incurring front wing damage. The Red Bull was forced to pit for a wing change from the lead of the race.
Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin had a dismal start to the race. The two-time world champion spun mid-corner at Turn 1 and made contact with the Alfa Romeo of Valtteri Bottas shortly after. This ruined the prospects of both the drivers in the race. Sergio Perez had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with Bottas.
las vegas gp just started and the chaos is already unfolding i need a minute pic.twitter.com/DIVGpoNRq0
— cai ? (@clersainz) November 19, 2023
Carlos Sainz hits Lewis Hamilton at the Las Vegas GP
Carlos Sainz started the Las Vegas GP from P12. The Spanish driver tried to gain a few places at Turn 1. However, the Ferrari driver made contact with Lewis Hamilton and ended up spinning around on the track. Subsequently, Sainz fell further in the pecking order in what has been a disastrous weekend for the 29-year-old.
Race control took a look at the first lap carnage. Max Verstappen was penalized with a five-second penalty for his collision with Leclerc. The Dutch driver was not happy with the decision of the stewards as he led the race. Although, it was evident that drivers struggled with traction in cold conditions at the Vegas GP.
Nevertheless, first-lap chaos is expected in Formula 1. Fans believed that the Las Vegas GP might lead to even more carnage on the first lap due to the track conditions and that has been the case. Although it remains to be seen if drivers including race leader Max Verstappen can adapt to the conditions and fight for the race win.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)