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Wed. Oct 23rd, 2024
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Charles Leclerc wins the Formula 1 US Grand Prix at the COTA Circuit

By L. Dreeye
Charles Leclerc wins the Formula 1 US Grand Prix at the COTA Circuit

While McLaren has made headlines in this unpredictable Formula One season, Ferrari stole the show at Sunday’s Pirelli United States Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc took an impressive victory at the Circuit of the Americas, his third victory of the season, with teammate Carlos Sainz finishing second. Max Verstappen, Formula One’s season leader and three-time reigning world champion, edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris for the final podium spot – but not without drama.

“Very happy from start to finish,” said Leclerc, a 27-year-old from Monte Carlo. “On Saturday we had some problems with the car, but today we felt better. The speed of the car was really very good, everything fell into place for us.”

Attendance for Sunday was to be announced by Formula One, but crowd numbers were expected to be between 140,000 and 150,000 on a warm, sunny day in Austin.

CONNECTED: Where does the Circuit of the Americas fit into the future of Formula 1?

Recovery within a day after failure

The race is usually won by whoever reaches the top of the famous 133-foot Turn 1 hill first on the first lap. Leclerc continued this tradition, racing from fourth place to first place by the time the drivers reached the top of Big Red.

“We got a good start, unlike the sprint race,” Leclerc said. “Yesterday we were in the wrong place at the wrong time, going up the hill. We learned from that today.”

Lots of drama surrounding third place

While Leclerc built an 8.5 second advantage over teammate Sainz, an epic shootout ensued for third place. On lap 53 of 56 at the 3.4-mile track, Norris, second in the standings behind Verstappen, passed the Dutch superstar after a tight battle over the final 15 laps.

But Norris was penalized for going too far off the track and exceeding the overtaking limit, and was given a five-second penalty. This was more than enough to give Verstappen third place.

“Quite a difficult race; We never had enough pace to attack,” Verstappen said. “We had problems with steering, braking, and because of this it was quite difficult to defend. In the end, being on the podium is a great result.”

Verstappen has slightly increased his season points lead from 354 to 297 over Norris with five races to go, starting next week in Mexico City. Leclerc took a strong third place with 275 points. McLaren still leads the manufacturers with 544 points against Red Bull Honda with 504 points. Ferrari strengthened with 496 points.

Lewis Hamilton didn’t have a memorable weekend. The seven-time world champion and five-time COTA winner went off the track onto the gravel on the third lap. He had to be towed off the road. Mechanical problems on Saturday forced Mercedes to make an overnight change and Hamilton had to start from the pit lane.

How has the COTA track repair cost changed?

The condition of the notoriously bumpy COTA highway has been a major topic, especially in recent years. Verstappen said after last year’s race: “It’s more suited to rally cars. Just too bumpy for Formula 1.”

COTA responded to the complaints by undertaking major renovations this year that cost well over $10 million. The worst bumps were corrected, although ripples remained, especially in Turn 4.

“It’s a challenging track,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown. “The places are still bumpy, drivers just need to get used to it.”

Norris said: “The situation has improved, bumpy in places but very fast.”

By L. Dreeye

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