The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix weekend has begun with the first free practice session (FP1) at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where attention is focused on Kimi Antonelli’s chance to secure the championship title. In the first session, Lando Norris of McLaren set the fastest time with 1’38″715, overtaking Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who had previously led with 1’39″152. Max Verstappen finished second behind Leclerc. Most drivers used hard tyres, while nine of them opted for medium tyres. Among the drivers who went out on track immediately were Colapinto, Bortoleto and Colton Herta, who replaced Sergio Perez for this session. Weather conditions were optimal for the opening practice.
The United States Grand Prix, the 47th edition of the race in Formula 1, has a rich history. Lewis Hamilton shares the record for most pole positions at this race with Michael Schumacher, both with four. Schumacher won all of them at Indianapolis with Ferrari, while Hamilton took his first at Indianapolis with McLaren in 2007, continuing with Mercedes from 2016 to 2018. Ferrari is the most successful team with 11 wins, while at COTA, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing share the record with five wins each. Hamilton is also the most successful driver with six wins, including his first win at COTA in 2012. The race has changed location several times, from Sebring in 1959, to Watkins Glen, Phoenix, Indianapolis, and since 2012, the Circuit of the Americas.
Kimi Antonelli arrives in Austin with 340 points, leading by 102 points over his Mercedes teammate George Russell (238 points). Lewis Hamilton is third with 229 points, while Max Verstappen, winner of the last two races, is fourth with 221 points. Antonelli has the chance to win the Drivers’ Championship in Austin if he wins the United States Grand Prix, with Russell finishing ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower. A win accompanied by these results would give Antonelli an unassailable advantage, securing the title thanks to the countback criteria based on best finishes, with five races still to be run.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA), measuring 5.513 kilometres with 20 corners, presents significant elevation changes and a challenging layout. The track begins with a steep climb towards Turn 1, followed by a series of fast corners in the first sector. Then, a long straight leads to a heavy braking zone at Turn 12, a key point for overtaking. The final sector contains slower, more technical corners, requiring a balance between braking and traction. Resurfacing work in several sections this year is expected to ease the difficulties caused by the uneven asphalt of the past. This Grand Prix marks the start of a three-race tour of the Americas, also including Mexico and Brazil. The weekend schedule includes the first free practice on Friday (19:30-20:30 and 23:00-0:00), the third free practice on Saturday (19:30-20:30) and qualifying (23:00-0:00), while the race takes place on Sunday at 21:00.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport