Oliver Bearman brands "sketchy" Las Vegas GP ci...

Oliver Bearman brands "sketchy" Las Vegas GP circuit "least enjoyable street track"Story by

Motorsport photoLydia MeeFri, November 21, 2025 at 6:30 AM UTC·7 min read

Haas Formula 1 rookie driver Oliver Bearman described the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit as "sketchy" and "the least enjoyable street track I've driven" after the first two practice sessions.

The Briton was shocked by the lack of grip on the track after he finished FP1 in 16th and FP2 in 17th.

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"We knew, big track evo on a circuit like this, honestly those first few laps I did in FP1, of course it's a new track for me, I was shocked by how low the grip was," he said to Sky Sports F1.

"It's sketchy out there, I don't even know how to describe the low level of grip that we experienced, but in turn that means that the evo is incredibly high.

"So even in that session we were quite early to get onto the soft tyre, I didn't manage to do a lap on the soft, but that meant that when I boxed I was in a good position and by the time I went to go out again I suddenly was five or six tenths further away from the front.

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"It was a tricky session with the rain, with the traffic and with interruptions but I think we learnt a lot. The track is new for me so I'm also finding my rhythm around here so I'm excited for tomorrow."

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

When asked how the Las Vegas circuit compared to other street circuits such as Jeddah and Baku, Bearman added: "This is the least enjoyable street track I've driven. Normally they're really, really fun and great. This one is really, really low grip, which is not a great combination when you have the walls very close.

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"It's incredibly high speed, which is dangerous. I mean the track itself is cool to be racing down the Strip in Las Vegas, but aside from that there's not much good stuff."

The second practice session was disrupted due to a suspected loose manhole cover, with the drivers losing approximately 20 minutes of running time.

Photos from Las Vegas GP - Free Practice

Lando Norris, McLaren

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An Elvis Presley impersonator holds up an Ayrton Senna inspired helmet

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Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

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Alexandra Saint Mleux

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Pierre Gasly, Alpine

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing Team Principal

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