After two weeks, the Formula 1 go back to racing. The last appointment crowned it Max Verstappen as three-time world champion. Now that the World Cup has been awarded, the fight to follow will be for the second. The first appointment is in Texas, on the Austin track for the US GP USA.
One with only one goal: F1
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a permanent runway located in Texas, California. Opened in 2012, the objective of the manufacturers (HKS inc.) was only one: to host the F1. In 2010, is proposed to the FIA. Originally it was approved, with however some modifications to be made. An argument led to the delay of the work which was regularly carried out. After the last checks of Charlie whiting, the route was included in the calendar. The first race on American soil was won by Lewis Hamilton su McLaren.
Long 5513 meters, Presents 20 curves e 2 DRS zones, one on the main straight and one between 11 and 12. The track record belongs to Valtteri Bottas su Mercedes, when in the qualifications of 2019 set the time for 1'32 "029. The official record instead belongs to Charles Leclerc su Ferrari, who again in 2019 stopped the clock in the race 1'36 "139.
Traction, downforce, high speeds: everything is needed on the US GP track
The American track, by configuration, is one of the most difficult of the calendar. Above all, the first and last sectors will be the ones that will put the pressure on tires. In fact, we could see a lot of graining on the tires, if any at all blistering.
In general, the aerodynamic configuration should be ad high load, if not highest. All this downforce will be useful especially in the first sector which is very reminiscent of Suzuka or Maggots e The Becketts at Silverstone. All three are traits where the Lateral load is critical.
We must not forget, however, that on the straight of the 11th it is needed a lot of speed, so teams will have to figure out whether it will be appropriate sacrifice this aspect. The second sector and part of the third, however, also see the presence of 90 degree bends, where the traction is the key point. Another factor of this route is certainly the disconnections. It will be vitally important try to avoid them, as they can make you lose thousandths or cents which, especially in the middle of the group, can mean an exclusion from Q2 or Q3. To be able to perform in Texas, therefore, you need a car complete and perfectly balanced, so as not to risk losing too much time in various areas of the track.
Verstappen always the favourite, watch out for the Mercedes
Even with the championship already in his hands, Max Verstappen remains the favorite for winning the grand prix. The real battle to watch is the one behind, with a McLaren increasingly protagonist, so much so that in Qatar it has, albeit at times, worried SuperMax. This circuit will be an excellent test to understand how much the British team can worry Ferrari and Mercedes. These two teams are called to respond, with the German team that could do very well at COTA. The Maranello team, however, is called upon to limit the damage on a track that, perhaps, is not totally favorable to the Reds.
Article by Francesco Orlando
