Second practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is DELAYED due to loose drain covers... just months after the same issue forced F1 to cancel a session in Las Vegas

The second practice session at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was delayed due to loose drain covers on Thursday evening.

After last week's opening race of the 2024 season in Bahrain, Formula One has headed over to Saudi Arabia, but they have already encountered an early issue.

After coming through the first practice session with no concerns, the second practice was halted after loose drain covers were spotted.

Haas confirmed the postponement with a post on X that read: 'Session Delay! And yes, you guessed it, it’s due to loose drain covers. 

'After a damaged cover was found in front of the garages, they all need to be checked before the session can start. FP2 will still be 1 hour long.'

Second practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was delayed due to loose drain covers

Haas confirmed the delay but the matter was quickly fixed and practice was allowed to resume

Loose drain covers also forced first practice to be cancelled at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November

Confirmation of the delay came at around 5pm (UK time), but the problem was quickly fixed, and the session was allowed to resume at 5.10pm.

This is the second time in a matter of months that drain covers have provided headaches for F1 prior to race day.

The first practice at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November had to be cancelled after just eight minutes after a drain cover damaged two cars.

Carlos Sainz's Ferrari stopped after appearing to go over a drain, while Alpine's Esteban Ocon was also bothered by a drain that damaged his car. 

The authorities managed to deal with the matter in time for the weekend's race, but it was an embarrassing situation that has now arisen again in the opening weeks of the 2024 season. 

The drain cover incident comes at the start of an important race weekend for F1, with all eyes on Red Bull team principal Christian Horner as he continues to lead his team despite allegations about his 'inappropriate behaviour' towards a female employee.

All eyes are set to be on Red Bull team principal Christian Horner again this weekend

Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing last week, but messages that he allegedly sent to the employee were then leaked to the press, bringing his position into further question.

Horner has continued to deny the allegations, and stepped out hand-in-hand with his wife Geri Halliwell ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix last Saturday in a show of unity from the couple.

It has since emerged that Horner's accuser was suspended by Red Bull 'because she was dishonest', with Horner admitting the scandal has been 'very trying' for his family.

He will now look to focus on matters on the track this weekend, as Red Bull aim for another dominant performance after securing a one-two finish last week with Max Verstappen winning ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez.