Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Suspected Loose Cover Triggers Two Red Flags in Las Vegas FP2 as Leclerc Is Cleared After Defect

The stoppages deprived teams of long‑run data, increasing strategic uncertainty.

Overview

  • Officials and team representatives reported a suspected loose manhole cover at Turn 17, prompting two red flags and track checks.
  • Nearly 20 minutes of FP2 running were lost, eliminating the planned long‑run phase used to assess tyre degradation and race strategy.
  • Lando Norris set the fastest FP2 time for McLaren in 1:33.602, though the interrupted session limits the significance of the order.
  • Charles Leclerc parked at Turn 5 with a gearbox/clutch fault; FIA stewards determined a defect prevented selecting neutral and issued no penalty.
  • Cold, low‑grip conditions continue to promote right‑front graining, leaving teams with only FP3 to recover setup and tyre insights before qualifying.