2RDWFTF Budapest, Hungary. 23rd July, 2023. #16 Charles Leclerc (MCO, Scuderia Ferrari), #55 Carlos Sainz (ESP, Scuderia Ferrari), F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 23, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by HIGH TWO) Credit: dpa/Alamy Live News
The Formula One event’s inaugural practice round was delayed just eight minutes in after competitor Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari broke down after colliding with an object on Las Vegas Boulevard at nearly 200 mph.
Esteban Ocon, a competitor, then crashed into the debris with his Alpine vehicle.
Ferrari described Sainz’s car as “extensive”, while Alpine stated that Ocon will require a new chassis.
There were no reported injuries.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur stated: “He [Sainz] indicated he hit something on the track and didn’t know what it was. It is simply unacceptable for Formula One.”
The practice round was halted, and the second session was delayed by two and a half hours while workers scrambled to do emergency repairs.
Second practice resumed at 2.30 a.m. local time (10.30 a.m. UK time).
According to a spokeswoman for F1’s governing body, the FIA, a concrete structure around a manhole cover failed during an inspection.
“We now need to check all of the other manhole covers, which will take some time.”
Viewers slammed the disruption as a “shambles” in social media posts, with many also voicing concerns over the safety of the drivers participating in the event, which cost organisers half a billion dollars to organize.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports: “They are going to have to check all of the manhole covers and weld them or do something because you can see the damage that has been done.
“It’s a huge sorrow for the fans, but safety comes first. We need to get things properly, and hopefully it will not take too long.”
The city has hosted a Grand Prix for the first time in four decades, with F1 management promising the much-anticipated event would be the “greatest show on Earth”.
It began with a dazzling opening ceremony including music stars including John Legend.
However, some have questioned whether the city is an appropriate venue for the event.
Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion, has expressed worries about the track, which he describes as “not exciting”.
