The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is set to take place at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, marking Round 19 of the championship. Competitors are gearing up for this high-stakes race, which promises to deliver thrilling action.
Top Contenders for F1 United States Grand Prix
As the race weekend approaches, several drivers are positioned as favorites. Below are some contenders to watch.
Max Verstappen
- Currently a strong favorite characterized by his performance in the Red Bull RB21.
- Achieved four consecutive top-two finishes leading into this weekend.
- Last won at the Zandvoort Grand Prix.
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (McLaren)
McLaren drivers have faced challenges recently. Piastri, after an initial successful season, has experienced mixed results, including a DNF and a recent fourth-place finish. His past record at Austin includes one DNF and a fifth-place finish.
Norris has not significantly improved his standing at this circuit over the years but achieved a second place in 2023, showing potential.
George Russell (Mercedes)
Russell has recently exhibited impressive form, securing his second win of the season. His finishing average over the last five races is tied for the best at 3.0. However, he has struggled historically at this venue, earning two fifth places in 2022 and 2023.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Defending his title from last year, Leclerc aims to bounce back from a challenging season with five podiums but no wins. He has a favorable record at Austin, having finished on the podium in two of his last three visits.
Other Notable Drivers
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): A rookie who has recently found his form, achieving consecutive top-six finishes.
- Carlos Sainz (Williams): Showed competitiveness with his only top-six finish this season coming from a previous win in Baku.
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): Collected seven top-10 finishes this season, highlighting improvements in his performance.
Top Team Predictions
McLaren has been a dominant team this season but hasn’t achieved victory in the last three races. Their last win at this circuit was in 2012, marking a challenging decade at COTA.
Red Bull stands as a formidable opponent, having a history of success in recent rounds and three victories in Texas since 2021. Ferrari, the defending champions, have struggled to return to winning form, while Mercedes boasts a strong past record, winning 50% of the last 10 races here.
Qualifying Insights
Max Verstappen leads in pole positions this season with six, while Piastri and Norris have also performed well. Russell added another pole for Mercedes in Singapore, showing potential for impressive qualifications in Austin.
This year’s race could very well reshape the championship standings as drivers vie for points and glory in the Lone Star State.
