F1NEWS: Race Week Preview: 5 Exciting Storylines Ahead of the....

Race Week Preview: 5 Exciting Storylines Ahead of the 2024 United States Grand Prix

After a long four-week break since the Singapore Grand Prix, Formula 1 returns for the final stretch of the 2024 season, starting with the United States Grand Prix in Austin. As the championship battle heats up and key driver changes take center stage, here are five storylines to watch as the F1 paddock reunites at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

1. The Battle for the Championship Resumes

Since the end of the summer break, Lando Norris has been steadily chipping away at Max Verstappen’s once-dominant lead in the drivers’ championship. Norris, who trailed Verstappen by 78 points after the break, has consistently outscored the Red Bull driver in the last four races. Norris’ victories in Zandvoort and Singapore saw Verstappen finish second, limiting the damage, while Norris also gained points at Monza and Baku. The gap now stands at just 52 points, and with a Sprint race at COTA, there’s an opportunity for a further 34-point swing.

This weekend’s race could be pivotal, especially with new upgrades on the horizon (more on that later). If Norris continues his momentum and further reduces Verstappen’s lead, the championship battle could go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi. However, a strong performance from Verstappen could see him reassert control over the title race, especially if he can halt McLaren’s recent surge in form.

2. Liam Lawson Returns as Ricciardo’s Replacement

A significant storyline heading into Austin is the return of Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson. Lawson has been called up to replace Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of the season after the popular Australian likely made his final F1 appearance in Singapore. Lawson impressed as a substitute last season, and this stint offers him a chance to secure a full-time seat for 2025.

This will be Lawson’s first race at COTA, and he’ll need to quickly adapt to the car and the circuit, especially given the Sprint weekend format. Team principal Christian Horner has indicated that Lawson’s promotion is part of Red Bull’s long-term strategy, and with Sergio Perez’s future uncertain, Lawson has a chance to stake his claim for a potential Red Bull seat in 2025.

3. Key Upgrades Ahead of the Final Races

The race in Austin marks the start of a busy period, with six races in eight weeks, including three Sprint events at COTA, Interlagos, and Qatar’s Lusail circuit. Despite being late in the season, teams are still expected to bring significant upgrades to their cars, with many targeting Austin after a four-week break allowed time for development and manufacturing.

McLaren, in particular, will be looking to maintain its performance advantage over Red Bull. If the team can keep up its momentum, Norris’ title hopes will continue to rise. On the other hand, Red Bull will be aiming to address recent handling issues and return to their winning ways. This weekend’s upgrades could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

4. The Driver Market is Still Open

Lawson’s return fills a key seat in the Red Bull camp, but the 2025 driver market remains fluid. Red Bull has yet to confirm its line-up beyond this season, with both Yuki Tsunoda and Sergio Perez under scrutiny. Horner has hinted that a shake-up is possible if Perez fails to perform consistently, leaving the door open for Lawson or another contender to step up.

Meanwhile, Sauber, soon to transition into Audi’s factory team, is the only non-Red Bull-affiliated team yet to finalize its driver line-up for next year. Valtteri Bottas remains a strong candidate, but rookie Gabriel Bortoleto and Zhou Guanyu are also in the mix. With Nico Hulkenberg already confirmed for 2025, the battle for the second seat at Sauber could be decided in the coming race weekends.

5. A Huge Event Both On and Off the Track

Since its debut in 2012, Austin has become one of the most popular stops on the F1 calendar, with crowds approaching half a million over race weekends. This year looks to be no different, with major concerts from Sting and Eminem adding to the spectacle. The city will also host a big college football game on Saturday, ensuring plenty of entertainment for fans.

With competitive action throughout the weekend, thanks to the Sprint format, and a close midfield battle, fans can expect plenty of excitement. The COTA circuit has delivered thrilling races in recent years, and with the championship at stake and fierce competition across the field, this year’s United States Grand Prix promises to be no exception.