Formula 1: US Grand Prix Preview, Predictions, and How To Watch

F1 is back in Texas for the US Grand Prix. Both Max Verstappen and Red Bull look to make history at one of F1’s best tracks.

While the Drivers’ Championship may be settled, there is still a lot to be excited about this weekend as Formula One returns to Austin, Texas for the United States Grand Prix.

Last race in Japan, Max Verstappen officially claimed his second championship at a rain-soaked Suzuka. He won by nearly 30 seconds, and after some confusion over the number of awarded points post-race, he was cemented as the 2022 champion. This weekend marks the first race Verstappen will take part in having already won the title, but don’t expect the Dutchman to change his approach. He’s claimed 12 wins and 14 podiums so far in 2022, and he’s favored to add to those tallies and defend his U.S. Grand Prix crown. If he does so, he will tie Sebastian Vettel (2013) and Michael Schumacher (2004) for the most wins in a single season ever in F1.

Also, for the second race in a row, we are on Championship watch. In Japan, we were watching Verstappen, and now it is his team who can clinch the Constructors’ Championship. If Red Bull leaves the race with a lead of at least 147 points in the Constructors’ standings, they win the title. That means if either Verstappen or his teammate Sergio Perez wins the race, Red Bull will be champions. Ferrari has to outscore Red Bull by 19 points to stay alive, and a Red Bull win renders that impossible. But keep on the Cost Cap drama this weekend and if the FIA delivers Red Bull’s penalty and how that could impact the Championship this season. Neither championship has lived up to the drama we saw last year, but nonetheless, there is a lot on the line this weekend in Austin.

As a side note, the drivers will undoubtedly be looking forward to the weather if anything. The forecast calls for clear skies this weekend, and we will likely see dry race conditions for the first time since the Italian Grand Prix over one month ago.

Yep… that's @danielricciardo heading down the paddock on a horse 🐴🤠#USGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/v3Z5Z9cSum

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 20, 2022

The Circuit

The Circuit of the Americas opened in Austin, Texas in 2012, and has been on the F1 calendar since then. It is 3.42 miles (5.51 km) long featuring 20 corners and two DRS zones. In addition to F1, it hosts NASCAR and MotoGP. The circuit was built for entertainment just as much as racing. It features a concert stage, and a professional soccer field, and will soon build an amusement park on site. As for the on-track action, Lewis Hamilton has dominated in Austin, holding five victories in F1’s nine visits to the circuit. The pole lap record belongs to Valtteri Bottas, who set a mark of 1:32.029 in 2019.

A Lap of The Circuit of the Americas

Let’s now go through a lap of COTA. Drivers love the track since it incorporates some of the best corners from other circuits into its design.

Starting off drivers will race up the massive hill that leads into the sharp Turn 1 hairpin. Its wide nature makes for hectic race starts, so watch out for that on Sunday. The drivers then head down the hill for a flat-out right-hander that feeds into an “S” section from Turns 3 through 8. The first part of the section closely resembles Maggots and Becketts from Silverstone. It’s then a slow Turn 9 to the left and over a crest as the drivers barrel down to the Turn 11 hairpin.

Once here it’s critical to get a good exit, as the long 1 km (0.62 miles) straight follows. The first DRS zone is on this straight and it makes for a great overtaking opportunity as the drivers brake hard into Turn 12. The next three turns are slow and winding, with Turn 15 closely resembling the tough Turn 10 from Bahrain. Then drivers take on a quadruple apex right-hander inspired by the famous corner from Istanbul Park. Turn 19 is a quick 90-degree left. Turn 20, recently named “The Andretti” after 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti, is a tight left that leads back to the main straightaway, where the second DRS zone is located.

Sunday’s race will be 56 laps long with a total distance of 308.4 km (191.6 miles).

Championship Standings

The Drivers’ Championship is merely a battle for second place at this point, but there is still a Constructors’ title up for grabs. If Red Bull wins this weekend, they clinch the title.

Driver Standings

1. Max Verstappen*, Red Bull Racing – 366 points
2. Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing – 253 points
3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrar – 252 points
4. George Russell, Mercedes – 207 points
5. Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari – 202 points

*Clinched championship

Constructor Standings

1. Red Bull Racing – 619 points
2. Ferrari – 454 points
3. Mercedes – 387 points
4. Alpine – 143 points
5. McLaren – 130 points
6. Alfa Romeo – 52 points
7. Aston Martin – 45 points
8. Haas – 34 points
9. AlphaTauri – 34 points
10. Williams – 8 points

Race Predictions – United States Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc is reportedly taking a grid penalty this weekend to test a 2023-spec engine for Ferrari. That leaves one less rival in Verstappen’s way. I think he goes back-to-back in Austin and clinches the double title for Red Bull.

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
3. Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing

How To Watch – United States Grand Prix (US TV Schedule – All Times EST)

• Practice 1: Friday, October 21 – 2:55 p.m. – ESPN2
• Practice 2: Friday, October 21 – 5:55 p.m. – ESPNews
• Practice 3: Saturday, October 22 – 2:55 p.m. – ESPNews
• Qualifying: Saturday, October 22 – 5:55 p.m. – ESPNews
• United States Grand Prix: Sunday, October 23 – 2:55 p.m. – ABC (TV coverage begins at 1:30 on ABC)

Featured Image Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images