F1 USA GP Austin: Verstappen Favorite, Extreme Heat and Lots of Action

Formula 1: The United States Grand Prix in Austin Promises Excitement and Heat

Austin, Texas, is preparing to host the nineteenth round of the Formula 1 season, the United States Grand Prix. With six races remaining, the tension in the drivers’ championship is palpable. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is not only one of the most beloved tracks on the F1 calendar, but also one of the biggest events of the year. A festive atmosphere is expected with concerts, barbecues and more than 400,000 fans, guaranteeing action and drama throughout the weekend.

Weather Forecast: Heat and Sun

The forecast for the weekend is hot and sunny, with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F). The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has declared the event a “heat hazard”. Saturday is expected to reach 34°C, which will represent an endurance test for the drivers, although with less humidity than in Singapore.

Analysis of the possible fight between Piastri and Norris for the drivers’ title.Zak Brown, head of McLaren, has mentioned that the race rules will be maintained even though the team already secured the constructors’ title in Singapore, due to the threat of Max Verstappen. What distinguishes Oscar Piastri from the other drivers? His emotional intelligence? If the pressure of the championship is affecting the Australian driver, he doesn’t show it in his interactions with the media. George Russell has renewed his contract with Mercedes until 2026, and will continue to compete alongside Kimi Antonelli. Lewis Hamilton has reaffirmed his confidence that Ferrari will be a title contender again soon. For a more in-depth analysis, listen to the latest episode of the F1 podcast.

COTA hosted its first Grand Prix in 2012, inaugurated by Mario Andretti.

History and Statistics of the Circuit

The history of the United States with F1 dates back to 1950, when Indianapolis hosted the event. Since then, the race has been held at various circuits. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) took over in 2012. In the eighties, during the era of Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Niki Lauda, the United States hosted several additional Grand Prix. Currently, Miami, Austin and Las Vegas are part of the calendar. COTA is a varied circuit with straights, esses, and hairpin turns. Its high-speed corners are inspired by Silverstone and Hockenheim.

United States Grand Prix

• Circuit: Circuit of the Americas; Austin, Texas
• First F1 race: 2012
• Lap record: 1:36.169, Charles Leclerc (2019)
• Laps: 56 laps of 5.5 km
• Most wins: Lewis Hamilton with six (2007, 2012, 2014-2017)
• Other winners from the current grid: Verstappen (2021-2023), Leclerc (2024)
• Most poles: Hamilton (2007, 2016-2018) tied with Michael Schumacher (2000-2002, 2006)
• Other drivers with pole from the current grid: Verstappen (2021), Carlos Sainz (2022), Leclerc (2023), Lando Norris (2024)

What makes it special: A modern American classic, with a mix of fast curves, long straights and an iconic climb to Turn 1. The American public creates a festive atmosphere, making it one of the most popular events of the year.

What the drivers say: “I think they nailed the circuit. For a modern track, for me, it’s definitely the best there is. I love it.” – Daniel Ricciardo

Where to watch: Curva 1 Grandstand. The most pronounced elevation change on the F1 calendar, watching from the top of the hill is brilliant, especially when the pack bunches at the start.

Charles Leclerc won the United States Grand Prix, with his teammate Carlos Sainz on the podium.

What Happened Last Year?

Leclerc won a memorable United States Grand Prix, where a late penalty relegated Norris to fourth place. Norris had overtaken Verstappen for third place after a long battle, but exceeded track limits and received a five-second penalty. Verstappen finished third behind Sainz.

Who Will Win?

After dominating the first half of the season, McLaren hasn’t won a race since the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August. The constructors’ champions are not convinced that COTA suits their car, and they point to Verstappen as the favorite. Given Verstappen’s ability to maximize race weekends, we back Verstappen for the win.

Oscar Piastri is 22 points ahead of Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship, ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

Here are the Championships

McLaren secured the constructors’ title in Singapore. The drivers’ championship has not yet been decided, and is fiercely contested at the top, with six races remaining. Oscar Piastri leads his teammate Norris by 22 points, but Verstappen is 41 points behind Norris. For fans in the United States, the race will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, coverage is broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live. For news, analysis, and updates, follow the coverage with the F1 team.

Grand Prix Schedule (BST)

Friday

Practice: 18:30-19:30 BST Sprint Classification: 22:30-23:14 BST

Saturday

Sprint Race: 18:00-18:30 BST Classification: 22:00-23:00 BST

Sunday

Race: 20:00 BST