The Circuit of the Americas Track architect Hermann Tilke fused Formula 1’s best corners together to create this track. A challenging 5.514 km, 20-turn circuit in Austin, Texas and home of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix since its opening in 2012.
The design incorporates Silverstone’s legendary Maggots-Becketts-Chapel sequence, the famous Senna Esses of Interlagos, Hockenheim’s arena bends, and Istanbul’s Turn Eight.
It is a circuit designed with a deliberate widening of the corners to allow for more racing lines, and therefore more overtaking opportunities. This track has been a fan favourite since its inception.
The 1.01km long back straight after turn 11,grants the drivers the best opportunities to overtake into turn 12 or before, with the help of DRS.
Overlooking the sport’s finest circuit is the 251-foot observation tower – the COTA Tower – that is the hallmark of Circuit of The Americas.
Title fight between Red Bull and McLaren
The COTA circuit has been an advantageous circuit for Red Bull in the last 3 years. Max Verstappen has won at the Austin track 3 years in a row now. Before him, Bottas won in 2019 and Kimi Raikkonen in 2018.
But, since Miami this season, McLaren have upgraded their car to make it a rocket ship. Max Verstappen has not won a race since Spain, whileLando Norris and Oscar Piastri have won 4 since Spain. McLaren have the upper hand in terms of pace and cornering speed.
Red Bull have finally started to address the problems with the RB20. In Singapore, the car’s performance was slightly better and Max said that he could finally attack the corners better. This has brought back confidence in Max and also a hope that he can still win the championship.
Who can win?
The biggest determining factor will be Qualifying at COTA. If Lando Norris qualifies 1st as usual, then he has the biggest opportunity to win the race. Since, the McLaren is so fast, Norris can easily increase the gap between himself and second place, Norris will not have to worry about giving the DRS advantage to the driver behind.
On the other hand, if Max manages to qualify on Pole, then his main goal would be to keep Norris behind him and the strategy team at Red Bull need to have a perfect strategy to help Max win. The RB20 is no match for the MCL38, for Max to win at Austin, the strategy and the driving have to be immaculate.
Huge Championship points up for a grab
The United States GP also hosts a Sprint Race this year. There are a maximum of 8 points from the Sprint Race, 25 points from the main race and the fastest lap point, totalling to 34 points up for grabs. This race shall play a huge part in who will win the Championship this season. For Max Verstappen it’s all about defence and earning as many points as he can to save his lead from decreasing.
For Lando Norris, the entire goal is to defeat his friend and rival, Max Verstappen. Lando Norris can only win if Max does not place 2nd when Lando wins. Lando needs Max to lose points in this race, he needs Max to come 3rd just once. If that happens, then Lando will have a fighting chance to win the championship.
As the points currently stand, Max needs only to finish 2nd in all remaining races, including Sprint Races, for him to win the Championship albeit by a single point only.
It is a crucial weekend and its the Circuit of The Americas. For fans its going to be one of the best races in Formula 1 this season.
And for the drivers, especially Max and Lando, it is going to be a life changing race. A lot hinges on the outcome of this forthcoming race