The second practice session for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix was brought to a close with around 20 minutes remaining after track officials raised concerns about a possible loose manhole cover on the circuit.
The session was red-flagged as George Russell was finishing a flying lap on the soft compound tyre, moments after McLaren's Lando Norris set the fastest lap of the session with a 1m33.602s. The Briton led Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while several drivers were yet to complete qualifying simulations.
Race control issued a race flag after a marshal reported an issue near Turn 17. The FIA released a statement that read:
"Following a marshal report of a possible loose manhole cover before Turn 17, Race Control were unable to confirm this information from the CCTV available.
"The session has been red-flagged as a precautionary measure and Race Control personnel are currently on site assessing the situation."
Circuit crews inspected the track, with Jenson Button of Sky Sports F1 watching the action.
"There's lots of flashing lights in between Turns 16 and 17," he said. "They are checking it out.
"Ten people are down here."
Pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz added:
"We think it's a drain cover that has been noticed by a marshal. We haven't heard anything from a driver.
"A vehicle is now leaving the pits to go out onto the track."
Officials were quick to verify the safety of the 3.8-mile circuit, with them confirming: "Following inspection, we are confident everything is in a suitable condition to resume the session."
This was a speedy process, unlike similar delays in 2023, which saw the venue close to the public while the circuit was repaired. But unfortunately, with under three minutes left on the clock, the session was red-flagged once again "due to track maintenance", bringing the session to a disappointing close.
“Some Race Control personnel remained on-site when the session was restarted," the FIA released in another statement.
"They reported that the manhole cover was moving as cars passed over it, which led to the session being ended under red-flag conditions. Further inspections are underway.”
Photos from Las Vegas GP - Free Practice
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Las Vegas GP - Thursday, in photos
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