A rollercoaster ride: analysis of Austin circuit | 2024 F1 United States Grand Prix
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After the Singapore Grand Prix, held over a month ago, Formula 1 arrives in the United States for the nineteenth round of the season, which will take place on the ups and downs of the Texas circuit in Austin: below is the analysis of the circuit.
The circuit
The Austin circuit is 5.513 meters long, with a total of 20 corners (9 right and 11 left) of varying radius, length, and speed. There are fast sweeping curves, heavy braking zones, and tight hairpin bends to tackle at low speed. Drivers will complete 56 laps before crossing the checkered flag.
What makes the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) truly unique are its constant elevation changes. The main straight has a 22-meter rise that starts from the grid and ends at the first sharp left turn, an area known for many overtakes and contacts.
From the crest at Turn 1, drivers plunge down towards Turn 2. Here begins a long series of high-speed chicanes, reminiscent of the Maggots-Becketts section of Silverstone. After a very long straight that ends with hard braking, the final part requires traction and resembles the Motodrome section of Hockenheim.
The bumps on the circuit
In addition to the elevation changes, another feature of the U.S. circuit is the bumps. The asphalt is very uneven and offers low grip. Last year, due to these bumps, Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from the GP due to excessive plank wear. However, for this edition, the drivers will find a completely new surface.
Mechanical components and fuel
Fuel consumption during the U.S. GP, in dry track conditions, is an important factor to consider. Fuel use is around 1.69 kg per lap. From a mechanical point of view, while the Austin circuit isn't harsh on the braking system, it's a different story for the power unit.
Drivers will have the throttle fully open for over 62% of the lap. The longest section is the one connecting Turn 11 to Turn 12: 1,100 meters of straight, about 16 seconds. In this section, as on the main straight, DRS effectiveness will be crucial.
As for the gearbox, the Circuit of the Americas is not among the toughest. The total number of gear changes during a Grand Prix is around 3,200.
Aerodynamic setup
The aerodynamic load required by the track is medium. It's important to find the right compromise between speed, traction, and downforce. Speed is essential to avoid losing too much time on the two long straights, useful for both defending and attacking. Traction is very important in the section from Turn 12 to Turn 16.
Downforce, on the other hand, is crucial for tackling the most important section of COTA, the entire first sector, which starts from Turn 2 and ends at Turn 9. This is where the lap times are made. This is where the difference between struggling and well-balanced cars becomes apparent.
Hall of fame
The first edition of the U.S. GP held at the Austin circuit dates back to 2012. The leader in the winners’ standings is Lewis Hamilton. The Englishman has triumphed in five of the eleven editions of the GP, with both McLaren and Mercedes. Max Verstappen follows with three consecutive victories since 2021.
Other winners include Sebastian Vettel with Red Bull (2013), Valtteri Bottas (2019), and Kimi Raikkonen, who in 2018 secured his last F1 victory and Ferrari's only win at the Circuit of the Americas.
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