It would be interesting to know how other street circuits handle this at the "ground level". We hear about Las Vegas because it's in America and social media is rampant so everything is reported. But can one just walk around "public" areas of, say, the Jeddah or Baku circuits without a ticket and see the race?
It's not at all unusual to make attempts to restrict vantage points around the perimeter of the event grounds to prevent the unticketed public from seeing the event.
Those who complain about it, or are surprised to see it happen have clearly never been to a street race (no pun intended).
It's not just Liberty, or F1 being greedy, it happens in other series like IndyCar as well.
Even within the grounds, there can be good vantage points where people are not allowed to loiter, and can be expected to be asked to keep moving by security, because they present safety risks, like at the tops of stairs, or the pedestrian bridges that traverse the circuit.
That's not to say every event promoter fails to recognize the marketing potential of allowing free "peeks." As part of the move of the Detroit IndyCar event from Belle Isle to the downtown streets, the organizers did set up "free" zones to promote the event, and allow the public to have vantage points without requiring a ticket.
Truth be told, most sporting events are better on TV, with complete coverage and a more comfortable environment.
But watching on TV completely lacks the visceral elements of being there live, especially at a motor race where the speed, sound and smell of the cars cannot be conveyed, no matter how large the screen is or fancy the surround sound system is. The long camera angles and sound mix don't allow it.
For anyone who considers themselves a fan, it's worth experiencing at least once.
And when you do, don't be a rookie, and go prepared, with hearing and sun protection, like a set of cheap foam ear plugs at least, and a hat and some sunscreen, especially for any children in attendance.