Max Verstappen joins call for probe into pre-race oil spill chaos at Las Vegas Grand Prix

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, critical of the spill's impact on Turn 1 chaos, labelled it "unacceptable," calling on the FIA to scrutinize the incident.

The source of the oil slick was traced back to the vehicles participating in the traditional drivers' parade, showcasing vintage cars. Lewis Hamilton's parade vehicle, which suffered a breakdown, left a trail of oil along the starting grid, setting the stage for a tumultuous start.

Verstappen, starting in close proximity to the spill, expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation: "The oil spill was not ideal. It was from the classic cars, from the drivers’ parade, so that's maybe something that we have to look into because that's a bit of a shame that that happens. So I had to steer a bit left of it at the start. And yeah, after that, of course, we had that little moment."

The Dutch driver's race saw him alongside Charles Leclerc, but an overzealous move into Turn 1 resulted in Verstappen out-braking himself, forcing Leclerc wide and earning a subsequent five-second penalty from the stewards. 

Reflecting on the incident, Verstappen shared, "I explained to Charles what happened and also with the debriefing, I think that's something we do naturally."

With the Las Vegas chapter behind, the Formula 1 community shifts its focus to the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Set against the backdrop of the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, the race promises a captivating conclusion to the 2023 season. 

Notably held under the desert night sky, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ensures the safety of spectators and the comfort of competing teams with covered grandstands and air-conditioned garages. As anticipation builds for the season's finale on Sunday, November 26, all eyes are on Yas Island for what is poised to be a fitting climax to an eventful Formula 1 season.

 

Read More: Royal Flush for Max Verstappen as he wins Las Vegas Grand Prix (planetsport.com)