United States Grand Prix weekend preview


The United States Grand Prix held in Austin, Texas has only been on the F1 calendar since 2012 and has seen some formidable racing over the 13 year span. The 2nd race held in the US this season has 20 tough corners , offering a range of complex's, from the high speed 'S' section of turn 2 to turn 9 to the lower speed , tyre screeching sector 3 on the back end of the track to the start and finish line. Cota has a length of 5.513km, meaning 56 laps on Sunday to come with the race lap record being held by Leclerc in 2019 with a 1.36.169. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for 5 wins in total over the years and most poles too with 3.


The championship battle is still heating up this weekend literally and metaphorically with the expected temperature to be over 30⁰C all weekend, the FIA declaring this weekend a 'heat hazard' again like in Singapore. Norris closed the gap again slowly on Piastri, 22 points the gap is with 33 up for grabs this weekend with the Sprint race added too. Max Verstappen sits 63 points behind Piastri too, the Dutchman making very clear comments on Thursday that 'Papaya rules' wouldn't be an issue if he was driving the McLaren because he would be so far ahead (his implication of his comments). McLaren have really been on a slump at this point in the season , losing 3 races on the bounce; 2 to Verstappen and 1 to Russell last time out in Singapore.

Both Mercedes drivers have signed new contracts for 2026, Russell Specifically mentioning he has a 'multi year' deal but that could mean a 1+1 year length. He also added that Toto was very 'generous' with the terms, both sides realising they need each other for 2026, regardless if Wolff wants Verstappen in 2027. Kimi Antonelli seemed relaxed to know that it was done and saying he can drive now 'freely' , knowing that he has a spot for next year on the team. 'There was never any doubt' he added.

McLaren have confirmed that there has been repercussions against Lando after the Singapore drama at the start of the race, restricting his ability to freely race Piastri if they come across one another on track until the rest of the season. However both drivers perceived this differently to the media yesterday Piastri saying that "he's (Norris) has taken responsibility for it" compared to the way Norris has said that "there will be repercussions for me, its not like I got away with anything", Lando certainly not directly saying that he is responsible for the incident.

Who will come out on top this weekend? Redbull and Verstappen seem confident again, can Mercedes be in the fight after their new front wing unlocked new performance? Or can McLaren fight back and take a win this weekend?

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