Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 parent company are reportedly set to pay fans millions over 2023 drain cover incident
A federal judge gave preliminary approval for the deal covering approximately 32,000 eligible ticket holders
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}One of the most memorable moments of the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend didn't happen during the race or even qualifying.
It came in the first practice session of the weekend, when then-Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz hit a drain cover, causing serious damage to his car's floor and energy store, while also damaging then-Alpine driver Esteban Ocon's car.
The session was red-flagged and eventually canceled, delaying the second practice session by hours as crews worked to repair the circuit and ensure the other drain covers were secure.
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This delay led to thousands of fans leaving before the next session could get underway.
So, not long after, attorney Steve Dimopoulos filed a class action lawsuit saying that attempts to make good on the situation were not enough.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Crews work to repair damage after a loose drain cover was hit during the first practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend in 2023. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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According to The Las Vegas Review Journal, court documents revealed that a federal judge agreed and gave preliminary approval for a settlement with LVGP and its parent company Liberty Media Corp. of just over $3 million, which is slated to get final approval in November.
"The settlement establishes a $3.05 million common fund for holders of approximately 32,000 eligible tickets," Dimopoulos said in a statement to The New York Post. "Individual payments will vary depending on ticket type, participation rates, attorney’s fees, costs and administrative expenses."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Of course, the amount of money each person gets will depend on how many claimants there are. But you do the math: if all 32,000 eligible folks decide they want in, it would leave you with enough to buy a hat at the next Las Vegas GP if you're lucky.
One of the cheap hats.
Then-Ferrari driver sustained major damage to his car after hitting a loose drain cover during practice ahead of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fortunately, the race went off without a hitch in the three years that it has been held. It's now set to be a part of the F1 schedule through 2037.
The drain incident caused further controversy in 2023 when the damage caused to Carlos Sainz's Ferrari required a new engine, resulting in a ten-place grid penalty. That came as the Scuderia was in a tight battle with Mercedes for second place in the championship standings.