What to Expect from the F1 2024 US Grand Prix

Inquirer Los Angeles / 09:13 AM September 26, 2024

The excitement about the 2024 US Grand Prix is evident as the event date nears. Already, fans have been reserving their tickets and accommodation, eager to see how the races will play out. Punters are also ready, taking advantage of the amazing odds offered by bookies who have singled out the possible winners.

Sites like Globusbet are getting a lot of traffic as punters and fans work to figure out who will win the race. But whether you are putting your money where your mouth is or planning a trip to Austin, we have a full guide on what to expect during this race weekend.

When and Where Will It Take Place?

The US Grand Prix 2024 will take place in the Circuit of the Americas in Austin and will follow the schedule below:

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18th October: Practice 1 will commence at 1230 till 1330 hours. The Qualifying Sprint will also take place on this day, starting at 1630 hours and ending at 1714 hours.
19th October: The Sprint will start at 1300 and end at 1400, paving the way for the Qualifying Race, which will take place from 1700 to 1800.
20th October: The long-awaited race will flag off at 1400 hours.

Please note that these times are in local Austin time.

Why the Hype About this Race Weekend?

F1 fans look forward to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) as it is one of the most exciting circuits. Here are some motivations behind this fandom:

The layout is impressive. Nothing makes the crowds cheer like watching drivers navigate circuits with impossible corners and sharp inclines. These allow for overtaking, which makes the races more competitive and further excites the fans.
The excitement is infectious: Since this event attracts many fans, the race weekend is often awash with energetic fans who add to its allure.

What’s more, this event plays an important role in the Championship. Being part of it is thus like being a cog in the larger F1 wheel; every fan wants to be part of this history.

What to Know About this Circuit.

The COTA stands out as one of the most challenging circuits. Let’s consider its features:

Length: It measures 5.513 kilometers per circuit.

Corners: Its corners take the day – it has 9 right corners and 11 left corners.

Laps: The drivers must complete 56 laps to finish the circuit. The fastest lap record remains 1 minute and 39.347 seconds as set by Sebastian Vettel in 2012.

Overall distance: The lap distance and laps amount to 308.405 kilometers.

Challenging is thus an understatement when referring to this circuit. But that’s also what makes it such an impressive event.

Can the Weather Affect the Race Weekend?

Anyone who has been to a previous US Grand Prix race will tell you that weather can affect the outcome of any event. Not only do drivers often have to change their strategies, but their performance can also suffer a dip. So, what weather conditions may get in the way?

Heat: High temperatures can result in tire wear, which can affect a car’s performance. Making pit stops further reduces a driver’s performance, and this often forces the team to regroup and rethink its strategy—2022 is a great example of this.
Wind: The last thing a driver wants is to experience strong gusts of wind when driving at neck-breaking speeds. However, winds are not uncommon, and drivers often have to find ways to maintain control of their cars without losing their performance.
Humidity: Imagine being strapped inside a humid car. It sometimes happens, which can tire the driver more than usual.

While rain is not common in Austin, it has been known to occur, forcing teams to change their tires and adopt more cautious driving strategies.

How Challenging is the Track?

Making it through this circuit is easier said than done. Here are some of the features that ensure that only the best drivers can excel:

Changes in elevation: Steep climbs are common on this track – drivers must know how to handle these dramatic elevation changes without losing their speed. Moreover, they must be ready to brake when necessary, calling for a balance. Good examples of these scenarios are the technical sections in turns 3 up to 6.
Tons of corners: The circuit has many corner variations. Some are tight, while others allow drivers to keep up with their speeds while changing directions. Navigating them requires a lot of focus and is a great test of driving skills.
The long straight: The distance between turns 11 and 12 is over a kilometer and has no turns. It offers drivers the chance to catch up with others while allowing them to overtake each other.

Moreover, the track is known for its abrasive surface. While this helps when weather conditions take a turn, it also forces drivers to be strategic in their driving to avoid wearing out their tires.

Who Will Win this Race?

While Verstappen, Leclerc, and Hamilton seem to be the top choices – Hamilton is especially favored due to his previous wins on this circuit. However, many factors can affect the outcomes of the race. As such, anyone who wants to wager on this race weekend should do a lot of research, set a budget for their wagers, and keep up with the updates.

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