October 21, 2022
It is time for the United States Grand Prix, and as you already know, I am not a big fan of American races. As an American myself, I feel like we just don’t do F1 the way it’s supposed to be done. Luckily, this race will not be as bad as Miami was. The Circuit of the Americas (affectionately known as COTA) is a circuit for America’s hardcore F1 fans, like me. Last year’s US GP was actually pretty interesting, so I’m going to enter this race weekend with an open mind. Here is everything you need to know for the 2022 United States Grand Prix:
Weekend Schedule (in EST):
Practice 1: ALREADY HAPPENED
Practice 2: ALREADY HAPPENED
Practice 3: Saturday 10/22, 3:00-4:00 PM
Qualifying: Saturday 10/22, 6:00-7:00 PM
Race: Sunday 10/23, 3:00 PM
One of the only things I appreciate about American F1 is the Circuit of the Americas. COTA – located in Austin, Texas – is a cool track. It starts with a steep incline on the start-finish straight that leads straight into a blind hairpin turn and gives drivers a beautiful view of the track and downtown Austin. The track is made up of twenty corners, two DRS zones, and requires medium-to-high downforce. Due to the track’s bumpy nature, the fifty-six lap race will be very technical on the drivers and cars.
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Circuit of the Americas |
At Suzuka we saw Max Verstappen win his second world championship, but that doesn’t mean the season is over. We still have a close fight for second place in the Driver’s Championship, and by close I mean Sergio Perez is ahead of Charles Leclerc by one point. The two drivers have been swapping places for second and third all season, so this battle will probably extend until the end of the season.
The Constructors’ Championship is also going to play out this weekend. If Red Bull’s cars finish in at least third and fourth, they will win their first constructors’ title since 2013. Mercedes has dominated the Constructors’ Championship for the past eight years, so hopefully we can see Red Bull end their reign.
Alpine and McLaren are still fighting for fourth place in the championship. There is currently a thirteen point difference, with Alpine ahead of the papaya team. This is another battle that will go on for the rest of the season, especially since Aston Martin has snuck its way into the fight too. They have gradually gone up the ranks in the championship and are now in sixth place, looking to get ahead of McLaren. McLaren has a double threat on its hands.
Logan Sargeant is going to bring American drivers back to F1 with his FP1 debut in COTA! Sargeant is part of Williams’ junior driver program and after his impressive season in F2, Williams is considering signing him for the 2022 season. His performance in their car will definitely affect their decision, so Sargeant will be looking to impress the F1 world the way Nyck de Vries did in Monza.
McLaren always gets very excited for the US GP, especially since they have had Daniel Ricciardo. You see, Danny Ric seems to be more patriotic than most Americans are and his results at COTA justify why. Ricciardo has scored two podiums at this track and finished in the top five last year. His teammate Lando Norris has only raced here twice, but he made it to the points both times. Hopefully both drivers can repeat their success at the track. McLaren will also run Alex Palaou, an IndyCar driver, for his FP1 debut.
Haas has their second home race of the season! The American team will be embracing its home crowd, most of whom will be seated in the stands at Haas Hill. Antonio Giovinazzi will once again replace Kevin Magnussen for FP1, and the team is aiming for a points finish this weekend. Mick Schumacher will want to put on a show because he is currently racing for his contract extension. He needs some good results if he wants to stay in F1.
This weekend has a lot riding on it: Red Bull can win the Constructors’ title, Perez and Leclerc will be battling each other, my McLarens will hopefully retake fourth in the championship, and multiple drivers will be looking to get F1 seats for 2023. The weekend should be interesting (I’m just not sure if I’m saying that in a positive way).
Anyway, I will be back after the race!
Happy Race Weekend!
- Divya
Where I got these
from:
https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/united-states-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-united-states/
https://www.haasf1team.com/news/united-states-grand-prix-preview-0
Pictures: