F1 Star Oliver Bearman Criticizes Las Vegas Track After Debut

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman didn't mince words after his first Formula 1 outing on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, delivering a scathing review of the glamorous street course. His debut under the Vegas night lights left him unimpressed, stating he's "never driven a street circuit that was so little fun."

Why it matters:

Bearman's strong critique highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which has faced scrutiny over its layout, track conditions, and overall fan experience. As F1 continues to expand into new markets, driver feedback on circuit quality is crucial for maintaining the sport's integrity and ensuring competitive racing.

The details:

• Initial Shock: Bearman, who generally enjoys street circuits, was "shocked" by the incredibly low grip levels on the Las Vegas track. He described the combination of slippery asphalt and close walls as "not a good combination," making it "really tricky."
• Lack of Enjoyment: Beyond the famous Strip section, Bearman found "not much positive" to say about the circuit from a driving perspective.
• Temperature Challenges: The cold temperatures in Las Vegas (around 10 degrees Celsius) at race times, coupled with no direct sunlight, lead to significantly colder asphalt temperatures, contributing to the poor grip conditions.
• Performance Struggle: During his first practice session, Bearman struggled to build confidence due to the grip issues. While conditions improved slightly in the second session, he noted falling "five or six tenths further behind the leaders" as the track evolved.
• FP2 Result: Bearman finished P17 in the second free practice, 1.384 seconds off the pace, but notably ahead of his teammate Esteban Ocon, who placed 19th.

The big picture:

The Las Vegas Grand Prix has been a major investment for Formula 1, aiming to capture the lucrative US market with a spectacle of speed and celebrity. However, driver dissatisfaction, like Bearman's, underscores the challenge of balancing entertainment with genuine racing quality. Other drivers have previously voiced concerns about the circuit's design and surface, raising questions about whether the current layout delivers an optimal F1 experience.

What's next:

While Bearman's feedback is from his debut, it adds to a growing chorus of opinions that F1 and circuit organizers will need to consider for future events. Addressing issues such as track grip and driver enjoyment could be crucial for the long-term success and credibility of the Las Vegas Grand Prix within the F1 calendar.