The inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend made headlines with an unexpected incident during its first practice session. Former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s car sustained significant damage after hitting a loose drain cover. Then-Alpine driver Esteban Ocon’s car was also affected. The session was stopped, leading to a delay in the subsequent practice as repairs and checks on other drain covers ensued.
This delay prompted many fans to leave before the next session began. Attorney Steve Dimopoulos soon filed a class action lawsuit, arguing that the responses to the incident were inadequate. Repairs were necessary after a drain cover was dislodged during practice, as noted by photographic evidence sourced from Getty Images.
The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that court documents showed a federal judge gave preliminary approval for a settlement totaling over $3 million. This agreement involves Liberty Media Corp., the parent company of LVGP, and awaits final approval in November.
The settlement allocates $3.05 million to a common fund for approximately 32,000 eligible ticket holders,” Dimopoulos stated to The New York Post. “Individual payouts depend on ticket type, participation rates, attorney’s fees, costs, and administrative expenses.”
Should all eligible participants claim their share, payouts would be modest—perhaps enough to buy a small souvenir at future events.
Thankfully, subsequent races proceeded smoothly. The Las Vegas GP is now confirmed on the F1 calendar through 2037. The incident also sparked controversy when Sainz’s Ferrari required a new engine, incurring a grid penalty as Team Scuderia contended with Mercedes for second place in the championship.
Matthew Reigle covers this event for OutKick, highlighting significant developments in Formula 1 racing.