Why FP3 and qualifying at F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix could also be delayed

The primary day of observe motion at Components 1’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix obtained off to a really rocky begin.

In consequence, the second day of observe motion — together with qualifying — could also be delayed.

Mere minutes into FP1 Carlos Sainz Jr. struck a unfastened manhole cowl, which precipitated substantial injury to his SF-23. On account of that impression, and as a security precaution, the session was purple flagged as safety staff repaired the unfastened cowl, and checked the remainder of the observe.

FP1 was finally cancelled, and with the work on the observe taking on two-and-a-half hours, FP2 was delayed as properly. It didn’t start till 2:30 a.m. native time, and was prolonged by half-hour to make up for the time misplaced throughout FP1.

In the end, FP2 ended at 4:00 a.m. native time.

Right here is the place issues get difficult.

Beneath F1’s Sporting Laws, particularly Article 38.2.b, FP3 can begin no before 18 hours following the conclusion of FP2:

With FP2 coming to an finish at 4:00 a.m. native time, that signifies that beneath this part of the present Sporting Laws, the soonest FP3 can start is at 10:00 p.m. native time.

It’s presently schedule to start at 8:30 p.m. native time.

Now let’s assume that the rules are adopted, and FP3 is pushed again to 10:00 p.m. native time. What would possibly that imply for qualifying, which is ready to start at midnight native time?

One other delay.

Beneath Article 39.1.b of the Sporting rules, qualifying can not begin any sooner than two hours after the conclusion of FP3:

So, if the Sporting Laws are adopted and FP3 is pushed again to 10:00 p.m. native time, and runs for an hour, it could finish at 11:00 p.m. native time. Which means that beneath this part, the soonest qualifying may start can be 1:00 a.m. native time.

That’s 4:00 a.m. for these of you studying this on the East Coast.

Once more, that is what the Sporting Laws say. I’m only a former lawyer-turned sportswriter, who hung out studying guidelines and such in a previous life.

We’ll now wait and see if FP3 and qualifying go off as scheduled, or if the foundations drive one other adjustment to the schedule.