The Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix is facing a class action lawsuit after the cancellation of the race’s first practice session due to damage caused to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari by a loose drain cover.
The race, which features a section along the famous Las Vegas Strip, saw its initial practice session last only eight minutes before being halted.
The second practice session began at 2:30 a.m. on Friday, with empty grandstands following the clearance of fans as a safety precaution.
In an attempt at damage control, Las Vegas Grand Prix officials offered $200 merchandise vouchers to single-day ticket holders, but not to those who had purchased three-day passes.
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix in Nevada state court on behalf of the 35,000 people who purchased tickets to the cancelled practice run.
The lawsuit names Formula owners and race promoters as defendants.
Steve Dimopoulos, representing the plaintiffs, criticized the compensation offered, stating that it was insufficient and that many fans likely want a full refund.
The decision to send fans home was made for public safety and security reasons, according to statements from LVGP CEO Renee Wilm and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Qualifying took place on Friday without incident.
Formula One did not immediately respond to requests for comment.