Johnny Herbert slams 'moaning' F1 stars as huge Las Vegas GP problem looms

16 November 2023 , 06:00

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Johnny Herbert slams 'moaning' F1 stars as huge Las Vegas GP problem looms

Johnny Herbert wants Formula 1 stars to stop "moaning" and embrace the challenges that the Las Vegas Grand Prix will bring this weekend.

In a departure from tradition, the race will be held on Saturday night local time to create a spectacle among the city's famous Strip. But an unfortunate side effect is that it is set to be very cold as a result.

Temperatures in November can drop to single-figures Celsius once the sun has gone down and forecasts are estimating it will be about eight degrees on Saturday night. The current record for the coldest ever race was five degrees at the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix, but there is a chance that could be surpassed this weekend.

That will be a big problem for drivers when it comes to finding some grip out on track. Not only will they struggle to get much temperature into their tyres as a result of the cold temperatures, but the fact the circuit has several long straights will only serve to exacerbate that challenge.

Former F1 racer Herbert hopes it will be a major factor and was critical of those who complain about such difficulties. "I hope the cold has an impact on the race! I just hope it does provide a challenge for them," he told Genting Casino.

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"That's what I want to see, drivers maybe slightly out of their comfort zone. With all the technology they have got they are after perfection. But as soon as they go to a race where they find it hard, everyone starts moaning as they did in Brazil.

"The drivers start moaning the tyres aren't good enough. But for me it is a challenge to overcome. It should not be about perfection every time because that is not sport. Drivers should be looking to improve themselves and adapt to the difficulties that you are facing. That is life.

"Using a tennis analogy, when the temperatures vary the ball responds in a very different way and a player has to learn to deal with that. When the roof is open or closed for instance. I really do hope Las Vegas will prove to be a challenge for everyone, drivers, engineers, everyone. It can't be easy or perfect. Life isn't perfect."

Former F1 managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn admitted the temperatures hadn't been consider when the Las Vegas GP idea was being developed. But he backed tyre suppliers Pirelli to make sure it does not detract from the spectacle.

He said: "It can be really quite cold and of course getting the cars to work in those temperatures can be a challenge. The tyre companies have done some work to make sure the tyres can cope with that. We're definitely facing some new challenges which we've never had before, but I think it'll be spectacular."

Daniel Moxon