US GP Preview | Who will make the most out of the..... Read More

US GP Preview Who will make the most out of the extraordinary weekend at COTA

After a four-week hiatus, the 2024 Formula One season is gearing up for its final two tripleheaders, beginning with the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. This event promises to be either exhilarating or daunting, particularly with a Sprint race on the agenda.

McLaren is likely feeling optimistic as they head into this weekend. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have enjoyed a remarkable run, clinching three victories out of the last four races, from Zandvoort to Singapore. Norris’s wins in the Netherlands and Singapore were particularly dominant, finishing over 20 seconds ahead of his main rival, Max Verstappen.

In the intervening weeks, teams have used the autumn break to refine their cars, and all four leading teams are anticipating improvements. McLaren isn’t resting on its laurels; they plan to introduce an updated package this weekend, a strategy they announced in Singapore. Red Bull is also keen to address the performance issues they faced with the RB20, particularly those that hampered Verstappen in recent races at Monza and Baku.

Ahead of the race, Toto Wolff indicated that Mercedes will roll out their final updates of the season in Austin. Meanwhile, Ferrari, under the guidance of Frederic Vasseur, has previously made adjustments to their car and is looking to fully understand the implications of those changes on the track to optimize performance.

The challenge for all teams this weekend is compounded by the Sprint format, which offers only one practice session for fine-tuning car setups. Throughout the season, McLaren has distinguished itself by arriving prepared at every venue, and they are one of the few teams that has avoided significant issues when introducing updates. The crucial question now is whether they can leverage this preparation effectively within the tight timeframe of 60 minutes for practice.

Red Bull has historically performed well at the Circuit of the Americas, but it remains uncertain whether they can match McLaren’s recent surge in form. For both Norris and Verstappen, avoiding mistakes is critical as they cannot afford to drop points at this stage in the championship. Each driver must ensure their car is ready for Sprint Qualifying on Friday evening, a session that will set the tone for the weekend.

Ferrari, having had a chance to work with their recent modifications, holds a data advantage that could prove beneficial. This prior experience may help them maximize their performance in Austin. Mercedes, currently languishing in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, may take more risks with their new package. Both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will likely push for more drastic changes if their initial performance during the Sprint isn’t satisfactory.

As the teams prepare to hit the track, the competitive landscape is wide open. With four teams showing relatively similar performance levels, the outcome of the US Grand Prix could be unpredictable. The title contenders, Norris and Verstappen, will not only be focused on each other but also on the fierce competition behind them.

Fans are in for a thrilling spectacle after a long wait for Formula One action