Two weeks after Max Verstappen won his second world title in Japan, it’s already time for the next weekend on the calendar: the US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Because of the time difference, we are of course dealing with a different schedule. Read everything you need to know about Grand Prix racing in this article.
Starting next season, the US will have no fewer than three races on the calendar, but this season we still have to make do with two. Earlier this year, of course, we already drove the Miami Grand Prix, and now it’s time for the US Grand Prix. Last year Max Verstappen managed to win unexpectedly here in a frightening race, where the circuit seemed to be the prey of Mercedes. With the win, he was able to help himself in the saddle towards the ultimate world title. Can he repeat it this weekend?
Circuit of the Americas
The Circuit of the Americas was introduced to the calendar in 2012 and since then drivers have been happy with the layout and the challenge the track has to offer. Lewis Hamilton in particular is likely to travel to Texas with great pleasure as he has five wins under his belt, including four in a row. Between 2014 and 2017, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas won the remaining races before the Circus had to overtake Austin in 2020.
The circuit is already one of a kind. Hermann Tilke’s design is inspired by well-known curves from other circles. Turns 3 to 6, for example, are reminiscent of the famous Maggotts and Becketts at Silverstone, while Turns 7 and 8 afterwards are based on Senna-S at Interlagos. According to many drivers, Sector 1 is fast-paced and exciting, while Sectors 2 and 3 are a bit slower and require more technology from the rudders. Turn 10 is also interesting. Drivers get there at full speed at a point where the track appears to end as it climbs. The riders suddenly started a section there, which is why it is also called “the end of the world”.
US Grand Prix schedule
Due to the significant time differences with the United States, we operate on a completely different schedule in Austin. It becomes night work during some sessions. On Fridays we only start with the first free practice at 21:00 and the second free practice starts at 0:00. On Saturday we start again at 21:00. We won’t know the first-place winner until Sunday, because the qualifiers start at 0:00 AM. The race on Sunday is at a more moderate time: at 9 p.m., the lights go out at the US Grand Prix.
Schedule overview
Friday October 21
First free practice: 9 p.m.
Saturday October 22
Second free practice: 0:00 hours
Third Free Practice: 9 p.m.
Sunday 23 October
Qualification: 0:00 pm
Race: 9 p.m
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