RACE CONTROL at the Las Vegas Grand Prix was the culprit of a huge error which saw marshals scrambling back to safety while cars were roaring around the track.
The Formula One event overseers sent out the message that the track was clear at Turn 1 while marshals were still running back to the barrier after clearing debris on the City of Lights circuit.
Race control had called the area clear too soon and there was also still debris at Turn 2 left after the marshals had run back to the barrier.
They had been called to clear the damage after Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll had collided at the start of the race, taking them both out and sending Liam Lawson‘s car into Oscar Piastri.
There were two yellow flags waved and marshals entered to clean up only to be left fleeing as the pack approached at full speed – prompting a Virtual Safety Car.
Thankfully no one was hurt as the race continued with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen taking an early lead over George Russell and Lando Norris.
But fans were left furious on social media, with one saying: “WTF [why] ARE THE MARSHALS ON TRACK WHILE CARS ARE GOING FULL SPEED…”
A second said: “Marshals in the firing line at Turn 1, under double yellows, but the cars not exactly hanging around. That was scary to watch.”
A third added: “We have learnt nothing have we. Marshal’s on the track like that?”
Another said: “So soon after Mexico, another huge blunder! Shocking, really.”
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A similar scare took place at the Mexico Grand Prix when Lawson was left shaken after a near miss with two marshals who ran across the track in front of him.
The Kiwi Racing Bulls driver reacted furiously, shouting: “I could have f***ing killed them.”
Verstappen went on to win the race, with Norris second and Russell third.
The trio went to the podium in a unique pink Lego brick Cadillac, driven by Terry Crews.
Norris’ second place finish moved him closer to the F1 title.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton climbed up to P10 after starting P19, but said after the race his debut year with Ferrari had been his “worst season ever”.
