FP1 cancelled due to George Russell drain hole incident

F1 News

26 April 2019 at 10:04
Last update 26 April 2019 at 10:50
2
  • Louis Shaw
  • Editor

FP1 was suspended due to George Russell running over a loose drain cover which caused major damage to the car. The track then had to have all of the 300 drain covers inspected and checked to ensure that they are safe. This meant that the session was stopped to allow the track to be inspected with the aim for it to be opened for FP2. 

The session started with the drivers getting out on track and it took a few laps for them to build up to some faster laps as they learnt the circuit and built confidence around the tricky track. 

Ferrari was the first team to start to clock some faster times and Charles Leclerc set a 1.49.134 with his teammate Sebastian Vettel setting a 1.51.988. 

Ferrari then went faster on the medium tyre compound with a 1.48.343 for Leclerc and a 1.49.598 for Vettel. 

George Russell then ran over the manhole cover which destroyed the floor of his Williams. 

Claire Williams was not happy with the incident and said to Sky F1:

"It's clear from what everyone can see. There is a lot of damage."

"It's not what you expect from an F1 track."

"We will be picking it up with race control."

When the marshalls were recovering the Williams the safety truck that came to recover the car crashed into the bridge that goes over the track. It managed to get through and take the Williams back to the pit lane but was a bit embarrassing for all involved! 

We will be back for FP2 where hopefully we will see some cars going around the track instead of a cancelled session.