In two weeks, the USA Race in Austin. Turn 1 is a place where things can go a little crazy. Maybe we see the Battle of Turn One Heights erupt in the Papaya Civil War.
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In two weeks, the USA Race in Austin. Turn 1 is a place where things can go a little crazy. Maybe we see the Battle of Turn One Heights erupt in the Papaya Civil War.
I really enjoy the COTA track, and I think it's usually a great track for showing the all around performance of the cars on the grid. There is enough variation in corner speeds, elevation changes, and corner profiles to keep it interesting and keep the drivers on their toes. I wish I could find an old thread here where someone that lived local to the track gave impressions, early photos, etc.
And I agree that things could erupt with McLaren. Oscar's radio calls at Singapore made it clear that he wasn't happy, and I think the gloves will be off at some point.... maybe. Oscar is usually really calm and might be able to just chill and get things done on track. He doesn't seem the type to be easily shaken, and Lando usually isn't aggressive enough to push things much on track.
But with Red Bull having seemingly sorted some things out, Max might still be in the mix, potentially taking points from the lead drivers. This could end up being really important for the WDC, because if he is anywhere between the two McLaren drivers points can shift in bigger chunks than if they finish in consecutive positions.
Being that it's my bonus GP in FGP, I hope for a podium of Max, followed by Yuki and Isack.
The FIA has issued a heat warning for Austin, with temperatures expected to climb past 30°C this weekend. The intense heat could really test drivers and teams, affecting tire wear, strategy, and endurance throughout the race.
Despite the heat, a big crowd is expected at COTA as always. Fans can look forward to plenty of events and activities, including concerts by Kygo, Garth Brooks, Turnpike Troubadours, and The Chainsmokers, plus fan zones, racing simulators, pit-stop challenges, driver Q&As, merch pop-ups, and great local food. It is shaping up to be a full F1 festival weekend.
For Texas standards, this is normal and is not considered INTENSE. Sunday's race is only going to be 84 degrees, which is normal for Austin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew
Sprint race pole goes to Max.
1. Max
2. Norris
3. Piastri
4. Hulkenberg
With all of the driver seeming to have strengths in different sectors the Sprint race could be interesting.
I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Verstappen wins the sprint race. Piastri is taken out at turn 1, then hits Norris to creak open the door to Verstappen.
Verstappen has a provisional poll. Norris second. Piastri at 7.
FinalQuote:
Originally Posted by F1nKS
1. Verstappen
2. Norris
3. Leclerc
4. Russel
Piastri is at 6.
That was the worst grand prix at Austin I have ever seen.
Verstappen wins. Norris wins. Piastri loses.
I think one of the big winners was Ferrari. Leclerc rolled the dice with starting on softs, and almost pulled it off for a second place finish. Though Lando got him in the end, it wasn't easy and Charles still earned a solid podium finish. With Lewis in 4th and ahead of Piastri it was quite a change of form for him this weekend as well.
Max was the big winner with the McLarens coming together in the Sprint, and earning easy points while they were out. But taking the pole and converting it to a win once again showed he isn't going to give up without a fight, and the Red Bull is strong enough in his hands to still win races.
A bad weekend for Oscar, but he still retains the lead and most likely the real title challenge is still Lando. It will be interesting to see who keeps their head in the game with the final races, and if either of them will fade. But today as well as the last race proved that Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari might be able to get in the mix enough to cost either leading driver points if they can't stay at the very front. This puts on more pressure if Max is performing, and can be a penalty for a driver having a bad weekend like Oscar did this week.
Most of the better action was back in the pack more, but I did enjoy watching the Charles and Lando battle and seeing how it played out.
Max did a nice job, but the real winner was the factory and designer who found some decent up grades a couple races ago to make the car driveable.Quote:
Originally Posted by airshifter