Oliver Bearman Slams Las Vegas GP Circuit: “It’s Sketchy and the Worst Street Track I’ve Ever Driven!”
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Haas rookie driver Oliver Bearman has openly criticized the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, labeling it as “sketchy” and the “least enjoyable street track” he has ever experienced. This bold assessment comes hot on the heels of Bearman’s initial practice sessions, where he finished an underwhelming 16th in FP1 and 17th in FP2.
Bearman, clearly taken aback by the track’s poor grip, expressed his astonishment during an interview with Sky Sports F1. “We knew it was a big track evolution on a circuit like this, but honestly, those first few laps I did in FP1 were shocking. The grip was just so low,” he stated, emphasizing the unexpected challenges posed by the new track. “It’s sketchy out there; I can’t even begin to describe the level of grip we experienced. But, on the flip side, that means the evolution is incredibly high.”
The young driver noted that despite the tricky conditions, which included rain and heavy traffic, he was able to learn a lot from the sessions. “I was in a good position when I boxed, but by the time I went out again, I found myself five or six tenths further away from the front,” Bearman recounted. As he seeks to find his rhythm on the Las Vegas circuit, he remains hopeful for improvements in the upcoming sessions.
When pressed to compare the Las Vegas track with other notorious street circuits like Jeddah and Baku, Bearman did not hold back. “This is the least enjoyable street track I’ve driven. Normally, they’re really fun and exciting, but this one has incredibly low grip, which is a perilous combination with walls so close,” he lamented. “Sure, racing down the Strip in Las Vegas is cool, but beyond that, there’s not much to rave about.”
The second practice session was marred by a significant disruption due to a suspected loose manhole cover, costing drivers around 20 minutes of valuable running time. This incident has added to the mounting concerns over the safety and design of the Las Vegas GP circuit, raising questions about its viability as a premier racing destination.
As the F1 world watches closely, Bearman’s candid feedback highlights the pressing need for improvements at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. With the stakes higher than ever, will the powers that be take heed of these warnings before it’s too late? As the excitement builds for the main event, one thing is clear: the Las Vegas circuit has a long way to go before it can claim its place among the greats of Formula 1 street racing.
