From the sis kebabs of Istanbul to the briskets of Austin, the Formula One paddock has rolled into Texas for this weekend’s United States Grand Prix! Can Valtteri Bottas continue his good form from the Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago? Or will his teammate Lewis Hamilton and title rival Max Verstappen return to winning ways?
Written by Aiden Hover, Edited by Bruna Brito
The Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) was built in 2012 in an attempt to rebuild an American F1 fanbase – a demographic that was severely lacking at the time following the distaste left after the 2005 US Grand Prix and the dropping of Indianapolis from the calendar after 2007. The 5.5-kilometre track is yet another Tilke drome, however, many of its 20 thrilling turns are ‘borrowed from other world-class circuits to form a truly exciting race track! With an opening sector akin to Silverstone’s Maggots and Beckets following a steep first corner as well as a dramatic final sector with Istanbul turn 8 vibes, the track offers a range of daring dynamics that the drivers adore.
The United States Grand Prix has truly put on some impressive shows since its return to Texas in 2012. From the epic battle between the modern titans of Hamilton and Vettel in its inaugural event to the championship drama of 2015, COTA always knows how to excite. There was yet more drama in 2017 as Max Verstappen fought back from P16 to a podium finish before having it harshly taken away following a posts race track limits penalty. We have surely missed it from the calendar over the last few years and will be anxiously anticipating its return!
Even in its previous guise at Indianapolis, we saw some spectacular highs – despite the depressing lows. In its last race in 2007, fans were treated to a nail-bitingly tense race-long battle between the McLaren teammates of Fernando Alonso and rookie Lewis Hamilton. The year before that saw a dramatic first-lap crash – in dramatic contrast to the previous years fast. The 2005 Indianapolis Grand Prix will be remembered forever as one of the worst Formula One races ever. Following a politically charged tyre controversy, paying spectators were outraged to see only 6 cars make the race start – in fact, Tiago Montaro was likely the only person to leave the track smiling as he secured his first career podium.
With Max Verstappen leading the championship from Lewis Hamilton once again, all is to play for heading into this weekend as the season enters its closing stage. Behind, the battle for third in the constructors continues as Ferrari attempt to close the gap to McLaren. Be sure not to miss any of the action of this weekend as Formula One will once again be joined by W-Series with the action kicking off this Friday!
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