Written by Owen Bradley
Formula One returns after an extended break, once again to the United States of America for the U.S Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). In this article, you can read a preview of the event, the session times and find out where to watch the F1 U.S Grand Prix this weekend.
The Circuit of the Americas
With 20 corners, long straights and tight, twisty sections of the circuit, COTA is one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. Long straights allow for cars to run incredibly close, with overtaking hotspots at Turn 1, Turn 11, Turn 12 and the final corner, Turn 20.
Two DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones, the first on the main straight and the most effective DRS zone positioned between Turns 11 and 12, down the long back straight.
The lap record around COTA is held by Charles Leclerc, the Monogasque setting a 1:36.169 driving the SF90 in 2019.
Can Lando Norris close to Max Verstappen in the standings?
At the last Grand Prix on U.S soil earlier this year in Miami, Lando Norris would claim his maiden F1 victory, the circuit evidently favouring the McLaren a bit more. Recently, Norris dominated the Singapore Grand Prix with soaring temperatures and tight walls, the Brit maintaining his focus, only just denied his first ever Grand Slam by former teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
COTA has a few similar characteristics to those of Singapore, long back straights broken up by tight, twisty, technical parts of the circuit that can be relatively difficult to navigate. McLaren also challenged for the victory at Monza, a circuit which requires a low drag and a low-downforce setup. Subsequently, coming into COTA, one could certainly argue that McLaren are the favourites coming into this weekend.
With Lando Norris currently at a 52-point deficit to Verstappen, the McLaren driver must ensure that he outscores Verstappen, if Norris' attempt at a genuine championship threat has any credibility as Formula One goes into the late stages of the season.
Will Red Bull strike back?
Following on from McLaren's recent successes throughout the 2024 season, Red Bull have notably struggled for performance since the end of Spring back in May, for consistent performances.
Max Verstappen's last victory in F1 was at the Spanish Grand Prix back at the end of June, the Dutchman unable to really challenge for victory at many other races. In Singapore last time out, Verstappen would manage to finish in second place, albeit around half a minute down the road from Norris, who took the chequered flag.
As for Sergio Perez, the Mexican has not stood on the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix back at the end of April, with many recent rumours alluding to Perez's potential retirement from the sport at the end of the 2024 or 2025 seasons - the Red Bull driver has got a target on his back going into the end of the season, having scored just four podiums this season, compared to Verstappen's 11 podiums.
The question that many people have, is will Red Bull be able to strike back? There have been many similarities drawn between Verstappen's 2024 season, and Jenson Button's 2009 season with Brawn GP, taking multiple victories at the start of the season, only for the other cars to eventually catch up in terms of development and subsequently, results.
One thing is certain, Verstappen, Christian Horner and all team members at Red Bull will most certainly want to stop the bleeding in the championship, and keep Norris at bay for the remaining races in the championship.
How will Liam Lawson perform in first weekend back since 2023?
After Daniel Ricciardo's heartbreaking exit from Visa CashApp RB at the end of the Singapore Grand Prix, Liam Lawson will be stepping in once again at VCARB, and will be attempting to build upon the foundations initially built last season, where the Kiwi scored two points at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Lawson has been backed by many team members at Red Bull and VCARB, the New Zealand driver looking to impress as the team do have a vacant seat available for the 2025 season. Given that VCARB identify themselves as more of a talent spotting team for the main Red Bull team, Lawson will be looking to outperform teammate Tsunoda, and secure a seat for next season.
Lawson has never driven at COTA in Formula One, therefore this weekend will be an interesting and educational weekend for the Kiwi.
Sprint Weekend
Beginning the second half of the Sprint calendar this season, with another two Sprint weekends coming at the Brazilian and Qatar Grands Prix respectively - the U.S Grand Prix at COTA is the first sprint weekend since Austria, back at the end of June.
Max Verstappen has won every single Sprint race throughout the season so far, the Dutchman will be looking to maintain that record, as every point now counts, with Lando Norris attempting to close the gap down from 52 points.
The victor of a Sprint race, receives eight championship points, with each race position scoring one less point than the one above, the points being handed to just the top eight drivers. With both Sprint and Grand Prix points available at three remaining race weekends this season, Norris must ensure that he beats Verstappen relatively comprehensively at every opportunity, to keep a potential championship battle on the cars.
Owen's Predictions
Personally, I can see this race being a duel between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen - with Piastri playing a pivotal role in keeping Norris' championship rival Verstappen at bay, as McLaren attempt to utilise the points available in this Sprint weekend.
I am essentially predicting that Lando Norris will win the U.S Grand Prix, and also the Sprint race on Saturday evening.
F1 U.S Grand Prix - Session Times - UK Time used
Friday
FP1: 18:30 - 19:30
Sprint Qualifying: 22:30 - 23:14
Saturday
Sprint Race: 19:00 - 20:00
Qualifying: 23:00 - 00:00
Sunday
U.S Grand Prix: 20:00
Where to Watch the F1 U.S GP?
UK viewers can watch all the action on Sky Sports F1, or with NOW TV.
U.S viewers will be able to find the racing action on ESPN.
European and other global viewers can watch the Austrian Grand Prix on F1 TV.
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