PREVIEW: 2024 United States Grand Prix

The 2024 United States Grand Prix kicks off the ultimate quarter of the Components 1 season with loads of drama surrounding the game.

Following Lando Norris‘ spectacular triumph on the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, the game has taken nearly a month’s break and return for the ultimate stretch of an thrilling and thrilling season. Norris’ win at Marina Bay closed the hole to Championship chief Max Verstappen even additional leaving the margin at simply 52 factors for the ultimate six rounds.

It’s not solely the Drivers Championship that may be a massive subject of dialog, McLaren F1 Group took the lead of the Constructors Championship on the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and now have a 41 level buffer to Oracle Purple Bull Racing in second and with the Milton Keynes primarily based squad struggling to seek out efficiency of their automobile, it might be one other massive factors haul for Norris and McLaren.

One of many massive storylines going into the weekend is Purple Bull’s improve, which can see them right their improper improvement course, though it’s not assure that it’ll repair the problems that Verstappen and Sergio Pérez have been going through since Miami. It might carry them nearer to McLaren, which is a lift for Verstappen’s Championship hopes, particularly after Daniel Ricciardo’s quickest lap on the final lap ensured that the Dutchman may beat Norris to the Championship by ending second to the Brit in each remaining race. Purple Bull could have much less time to check their improve with simply the one follow session in Texas because the Dash format returns for the primary time because the Austrian Grand Prix.

One other massive storyline is Ricciardo leaving Components 1 for Liam Lawson. The 35-year-old was performing admirably for Visa Money App RB, beating teammate Yuki Tsunoda in snug style because the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix however Purple Bull have appeared on the greater image, bringing in Lawson to guage him towards Tsunoda for a seat alongside Verstappen. Lawson did effectively when he got here in for Ricciardo after a wrist harm saved the latter out of motion for a protracted interval however the stress wasn’t as excessive then as it will likely be now with a 2025 contract on the road. It’s actually one thing to regulate, not simply in Austin however for the remainder of the season.

The struggle for the 2025 Purple Bull seat additionally implies that Pérez should elevate his performances after a reasonably torrid 2024 marketing campaign thus far. He sits eighth within the Drivers Championship, the final of the highest 4 groups drivers and with Verstappen holding his personal on the high of the Championship, the Mexican should choose up his performances between now and the season finale in Abu Dhabi to not solely hold his seat however assist Purple Bull defend each titles.

TCF Predictions

Race winner: We predict that the race winner can be Lando Norris. The younger British driver wants to come back firing out of the blocks for the ultimate stretch of the season and a win at Austin would actually swing the momentum in his course much more after a dominant show in Singapore. Verstappen ending off the rostrum would even be the dream state of affairs for Norris this weekend.

Podium: Alongside Norris, we expect Oscar Piastri and Verstappen will make the rostrum. If Piastri could make it a McLaren 1-2 in Texas then he’ll be getting lots of gratitude from Norris however the Australian actually has the tempo to maintain up with Norris and if he can have a constant weekend, then he’ll be up there on race day. As a lot as Norris wants a Verstappen collapse at Austin, we don’t see it occurring particularly if Purple Bull’s new upgrades carry out. If Norris and Verstappen did end first and third, it’s no less than 10 factors gained for the Brit although, and with a Dash race this weekend, there’s loads of alternatives to achieve factors on the Dutchman.

Shock performer: We expect George Russell will the be the largest shock of the weekend. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Group driver has persistently been within the high 5 image this season and has inherited podiums attributable to that consistency too. A shock outcome might be on the horizon for Russell, nevertheless it actually will depend on how aggressive the Brackley primarily based squad are in Texas.

Disappointing performer: Lawson may have a tricky opening weekend on his return to F1. An absence of follow periods, with only one as a result of Dash weekend may pose a difficulty with getting a troublesome automobile to drive in the proper setup window, particularly if he’s being in comparison with Tsunoda, who’s snug within the VCARB. It could be nice to see the New Zealander to have a constructive weekend, however it might be a tricky ask.