La Formula 1 is finally back, after a month away from the tracks, the 20 single-seaters are ready to touch the asphalt. The FP1 they open the dances to the weekend of Austin GP, single session available for teams and drivers to become familiar with the track before sprint qualifying.
Green light: back on track
The Circus returns to travel the world and this time lands on the American continent. The stage that preceded the long break – that of Singapore – scored a turning point in several teams, including Racing Bulls. The Faenza team has decided to terminate Daniel Ricciardo's contract early. Starting from the FP1 of the Austin GP, the Australian's replacement will be at the wheel of the RB: the young Liam Lawson..
In the days leading up to this race weekend, a particular piece of news has started to make the rounds in the paddock. According to some rumours, a team would be under the FIA's investigative lens for having used a system capable of modifying the set-up of the cars in parc fermé. The team has been identified: it would be Red BullThe Milton Keynes team has justified, despite there being no certain evidence, the Federation has decided to intensify checks.
Only one session available
During the only Free Practice session of the weekend, the drivers have the task of rediscovering the track. At COTA, in fact, improvements have been made changes to resolve the critical issues related to the track limits and the track was resurfaced in several places. Ferrari is placed in the high ranking positions, with white rubber, working subsequently on the long runs in view of the two races.
Red rubber for Verstappen, the Red Bull driver scores a time of 1:33.855 in an unusual qualifying simulation because it was done mid-session – a phase in which the track is still evolving. The new leader of the constructors' championship, McLaren, it looks a little undertone, with Norris seventh and Piastri 13th. The Woking team brought a large package of upgrades, which however does not include the floor. Those who brought the new floor, Mercedes, fatigue.
Sainz first in FP1 of the Austin GP
The two single-seaters from Maranello mount soft rubber and flywheel, scoring a 1-2 at the end of sixty minutes. The first half and of Carlos Sainz, who crosses the finish line in 1:33.602. Good start for Liam Lawson, but who will be forced to start from last position in Sunday's race for the replacement of the whole power units in all its elements.
They are nine drivers in half a second: it looks like a very tight qualifying. FP1 is over and it's now time to look at the Sprint race qualifying, which means that the fantasymanager will have until 23pm to field their teams training!