Presentation of the United States Grand Prix: a rodeo where everything is allowed
After passing through Asia and Qatar, F1 crosses the Atlantic to start a triple header, which will begin with the United States Grand Prix this weekend. Spotlight on the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the stage for all the eccentricities made in America.
Those who want a spectacle are generally never disappointed at the United States Grand Prix, at least off the track, with always a show very much American style. But from a sporting point of view as well, the Circuit of the Americas provides the drivers with some thrills.
With a length of 5,513 km, for a total of 308,405 km covered throughout the 56 laps of the race and its 20 turns, the Circuit of the Americas is relatively young as it was inaugurated in 2012. It was then the first time the United States Grand Prix returned to the calendar since the last race in Indianapolis in 2007. That year, in 2012, spectators were able to witness the last victory of Lewis Hamilton for McLaren, before his arrival at Mercedes the following year. The record for the fastest lap goes to Charles Leclerc, in 2019: 1:36.169.
This weekend’s race will be the 75th Grand Prix to take place in the United States. In total, 11 different American sites have hosted world championship races, with Watkins Glen hosting the most Grand Prix – a total of 20 – followed by Indianapolis with 19.
Another small historical fact: did you know that the construction of the circuit cost about 400 million dollars in private investments and created about 1,700 jobs? After all, nothing is ever too big in the United States. Also worth noting is that the layout was designed by promoter Tavo Hellmund and 1993 motorcycle world champion, Kevin Schwantz, with the help of German architect and circuit designer, Hermann Tilke.
The US GP, familiar characteristics
If the meanders of the Circuit of the Americas seem familiar to you, there is a valid reason for that. Turns 3 to 6 curiously evoke the high-speed sequence of Silverstone through Maggotts/Becketts, or even the famous S bends of Suzuka. While turns 12 to 15 seem to reproduce with remarkable fidelity the characteristic amphitheater section of Hockenheim (RIP). Meanwhile, the ascent to the large and imposing turn 1 has been the scene of unforgettable overtaking maneuvers in the short history of this circuit.
In practical terms, the brakes undergo a strong deceleration after this first turn, generally reducing the speed from 310 km/h to 100 km/h in only 2.31 seconds and over a distance of 114 meters. This situation leads to a deceleration force of 4.7G felt by the pilots.
Another anecdote: the Circuit of the Americas is one of only five Formula 1 circuits to operate in counter clockwise direction, the others being Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Brazil and South Korea (which is no longer on the schedule, also RIP).
In addition to F1, the facilities also host the NASCAR Texas Grand Prix, as well as the MotoGP Americas Grand Prix, and in the past, a stage of the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Lone Star Le Mans.
The Pirelli tires at the United States Grand Prix
This weekend, drivers will have the choice between the white C2 tires for the hard ones, the yellow C3 for the medium ones and the red C4 for the soft ones. Note that the medium and hard tires were used during last year’s race. The winner, Max Verstappen, made his first and last stints with the medium tires, while the intermediate stint was done with the hard tires.
« COTA is a full circuit, with medium to high levels of downforce », explains Mario Isola, Motorsport manager at Pirelli. « The forces acting on the tires are mainly lateral, and they are quite well balanced between the front and the back, without a specific corner of the car being subjected to particular stress. »
He notes that it is also important to have good traction in slow corners. « The track surface is still quite bumpy, despite the partial restoration carried out last year. This can cause a slight tire slip, which can cause potential overheating », warns Mario Isola. «. The degradation observed in Austin is mainly thermal, while the phenomenon of fluff formation (graining) is quite rare. »
It’s #F1 race week in Austin! 🤠
↔️ High but even lateral stress
🏁 #F1Sprint is back#Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/5FnKQo4H9a— Pirelli Motorsport (@Pirellisport) October 16, 2023
Finally, note that this weekend will see the return of the Sprint format: a free practice session and qualifications for Sunday’s race will take place on Friday, while Saturday will be entirely dedicated to the Sprint, with the Sprint Shootout and the express race. See you on Sunday at 9pm to witness the highlight of the show, the real United States Grand Prix.
