The FIA has formally warned Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Ferrari counterpart Fred Vasseur for using foul language at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The incident occurred during the first practice session when a loose water drain cover damaged the car of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr., leading Vasseur to use inappropriate language. Wolff also responded angrily to a reporter’s interjection.
Despite the warnings, the FIA acknowledged that the use of such language was uncharacteristic for both individuals and may have been provoked by the situation. The Las Vegas Grand Prix faced its own challenges, with a delayed second practice session due to track repairs and chaotic scenes as spectators were removed from viewing areas.
Before winning the race, F1 champion Max Verstappen criticized the event, calling it “99% show, 1% sporting event.” The race was the third stop in the United States this year and drew over 315,000 spectators with an economic impact of $1.2 billion for Las Vegas. The 22-race season will conclude on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi GP.