United States Grand Prix – Presentation and Predictions

The Circuit of the Americas (also known by its English abbreviation, COTA) is back this Grand Prix weekend. After Asia, Formula 1 is heading to the New World, and will then make stops in Mexico and Brazil. For now, it’s happening in Austin, Texas.

A layout that reminds of other legendary circuits

Introduced in 2012, the year of its completion, the Circuit of the Americas also marks the return of Formula 1 to the United States for the first time since 2007, when it was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that hosted the premier category of motor racing.

This circuit is the first in the United States to be specifically designed for Formula 1, marking a turning point in the popularity of this sport across the Atlantic. Its layout is thanks to architect and former race car driver Hermann Tilke, who has designed many other well-known circuits such as Marina Bay (Singapore), Bahrain, Valencia, Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi), Sepang (Malaysia), and Shanghai.

If certain sections of the Austin circuit seem familiar to you, it’s only natural. Turns 3 to 6 are reminiscent of the fast layout of Silverstone through Maggotts and Becketts, or even the S curves of Suzuka. Turns 12 to 15, on the other hand, imitate a section of the Hockenheim circuit, a historic track that unfortunately hasn’t been on the F1 calendar since 2019. Additionally, the slope (41 meters of elevation) leading to the wide first corner of COTA is appreciated, offering great overtaking opportunities.

The circuit is 5,513 kilometers long and has 20 turns, with 11 left turns and nine right turns. The track is 15 meters wide and its longest straight line (between turns 11 and 12) stretches for 1200 meters. With 56 laps, the total distance covered during the race amounts to 308.4 km.

With five victories, Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver at the Circuit of the Americas. However, it was Max Verstappen who prevailed in front of the Texan audience last year. Charles Leclerc holds the record for the fastest lap, achieved in 2019, at 1:36.169.

Tire strategy

For the United States Grand Prix, Pirelli brings its intermediate range consisting of the C4 as soft/medium (red) tires, the C3 for medium/intermediate (yellow), and the C2 for hard (white) tires.

This track, which has many slopes, could pose a challenge for teams and require a higher ground clearance, which would affect aerodynamic performance. Therefore, teams will have to carefully study the data collected during practice sessions to find the best settings.

Speaking of free practice sessions, the second session on Friday has been extended to 90 minutes, just like in Japan, in order to test the slick tire prototypes for 2023 (the test was ultimately cancelled in Suzuka due to rain). These tests should allow for fine-tuning of the compounds for next year, before teams try out the final versions after the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi. The entire second free practice session will be dedicated to tire testing, with Pirelli setting the lap program. However, if a team uses a rookie for the first free practice session (as is the case, for example, with Williams and Logan Sargeant), they are allowed to execute their own program for part of FP2, before focusing on tire testing for the rest of the session. The “prototype” tires are easily recognizable as they don’t bear any colored markings on the sidewalls.

It’s race week, as @F1 travels to Austin, Texas for the #USGP! The @COTA circuit is a fan favourite, with its flowing layout and challenging sections providing a thrill for the #Fit4F1 drivers 🇺🇸

Here’s all you need to know: https://t.co/SHFoNrMp9i#F1 #Pirelli #Pirelli150 pic.twitter.com/6qD4yx4Rxl

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 17, 2022

The editorial team’s predictions for the United States Grand Prix

Already crowned world champion in Japan following his victory and Charles Leclerc’s third place, it is naturally Max Verstappen who receives the favor of the editorial team for the pole position in Austin. However, predictions are divided between the Dutchman and the Monegasque for the victory.

After his great results in Asia, and even a victory in Singapore, Sergio Pérez is also considered a favorite to finish second on the Circuit of the Americas. But the Mercedes drivers are not to be outdone, especially when it comes to the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, who is a regular winner in Austin, as mentioned above.

And not to mention, of course, the possibility of dropping out along the way – Max Verstappen, perhaps?

We will also keep an eye on the constructors’ championship, as Red Bull could win their crown this weekend, a victory awaited since 2013, after a long dominance by Mercedes…