Carlos Sainz Fires Back at Charles Leclerc’s Cheeky Manhole Joke Ahead of Vegas GP

Carlos Sainz had a hilarious response to Charles Leclerc’s cheeky jibe about the infamous manhole incident during last year’s Las Vegas GP. The playful banter between Ferrari teammates was sparked by an unfortunate mishap in 2023, when Sainz’s car was severely damaged after hitting a manhole cover that had come loose on the track.

In 2023, just minutes into the first practice session, Sainz’s Ferrari suffered significant damage as he hit an improperly secured manhole cover. The track, built around public roads, had several manholes that the workers carefully covered before the race, but one was not sealed properly, leading to a halt in the session and a ruined day for the Spanish driver.

Fast forward to 2024, with F1 returning to Las Vegas, and Sainz and Leclerc were seen engaging in a friendly simulator duel ahead of the race weekend. During their simulation, Leclerc couldn’t resist teasing Sainz about the infamous manhole from the previous year.

As they raced in the simulator, Leclerc jokingly pointed out the spot where the manhole had caused chaos in 2023, saying, “That’s where the manhole is.” Sainz, with a grin, shot back, “I’m going to show you a manhole!” He then crashed into Leclerc’s car during the simulation as the Monegasque was braking for a corner, adding to the fun.

The 2023 Las Vegas GP had been a frustrating one for Sainz, not only because of the crash but also due to the consequences that followed. After the damage caused by the manhole, Ferrari requested permission from the FIA to replace the car’s energy store without incurring a penalty. The FIA rejected the request, and Sainz was slapped with a 10-place grid penalty, a decision that left the Spaniard disappointed and frustrated.

Despite starting from P12 due to the penalty, Sainz fought hard and finished the race in P6. Meanwhile, Leclerc started from pole and secured a second-place finish. Sainz’s witty response to Leclerc’s joke shows that even in the face of past frustrations, the Ferrari duo can still share a laugh.