2015 US Grand Prix

[AndyL]

Let's check those session times for Austin (with a light seasoning of daylight savings time confusion!):

Friday 23 Oct
Free practice 1 starts: BST 4:00 PM, CEST 5:00 PM, local 10:00 AM
Free practice 2 starts: BST 8:00 PM, CEST 9:00 PM, local 2:00 PM
Saturday 24 Oct
Free practice 3 starts: BST 4:00 PM, CEST 5:00 PM, local 10:00 AM
Qualifying starts: BST 7:00 PM, CEST 8:00 PM, local 1:00 PM
Sunday 25 Oct
Race starts: GMT 7:00 PM, CET 8:00PM, local 2:00 PM

Will Lewis wrap up the title? He needs to score 2 points more than Rosberg and 9 points more than Vettel.

[Duncan]

I will be there, assuming the airports are not closed due to weather. Extremely heavy rain forecast for now through at least Saturday. Forecast for Sunday has been changing by the hour; currently 60% chance of rain, expecting a quarter inch. Was no rain forecast only a few hours ago. Saturday forecast is for 1-2 inches of rain, possible thunderstorms.

Trying to keep dry aside, should be a blast. As far as I remember, there has never been a formula 1 weekend at COTA that has been wet, so I guess everybody is going to be desperate to get track time just to understand how to drive in those conditions, provided that it's not so torrential as to make the track completely undriveable.

Particularly given the uncertainty over Sunday conditions, there's plenty of scope for an unpredictable outcome. Everybody is going to be rolling the dice on setup one way or the other...

[driveace]

AnD Vettel has a ten place penalty in the USA race.
So why is that ? Was the Ferrari engine illegal at the last race,as it said "Due to an Engine descretion "

[AndyL]

AnD Vettel has a ten place penalty in the USA race.
So why is that ? Was the Ferrari engine illegal at the last race,as it said "Due to an Engine descretion "

New engine for this race presumably? They've already used 4 I think.

[steveaki13]

Thats some rain hitting Austin for P2.....

They should get out there..... wimps :p

[AndyL]

P2 cancelled. The track is completely flooded in places. The weather is forecast to get even worse tomorrow. Not looking good!

[Duncan]

Track was wet but no rain for FP1, track clearly drying out by the end of the session. The rain started around 1pm or so, and was pretty heavy.

Attendees advised to "seek shelter" as thunderstorms rolled in, FP2 eventually cancelled. There's expected heavy rain overnight and into tomorrow, but not clear what it will be like for Sunday. Fingers crossed that it will be ok for the race...

[kfzmeister]

New engine for this race presumably? They've already used 4 I think.

Correct!

Kimi as well.

[airshifter]

I missed the deadline, but I think a lot of people are way off on the Pickems

Just for the heck of it....

Hamilton
Ricciardo
Rosberg
Kvyatt
Bottas
Sainz
Verstappen
Alonso

I think downforce and handling are going to make this race, and with the Ferrari's having penalties I can't see them fighting up front. And if I've got it all wrong, it won't be the first time! :laugh:

[jens]

At least we can see, how Vettel (and Räikkönen) can make their way up through the field, just like in Canada. Considering Austin should be a pretty good circuit for overtaking, Vettel's P5 in Canada could be a good guide about the position he can aim for. Williams could be hard to beat from lowly grid slots, but the rest of the field should still be beatable for Ferrari.

[Duncan]

Just got word that today's opening is delayed until noon. FP3 and qualifying will be pushed back to Sunday morning.

This is probably mostly due to concerns for fans getting to the track; there are currently flash flood warnings in place for the county, expected to be lifted in the next hour or two.

[Duncan]

Apparently FP3 was actually run this morning (still in progress as far as I can tell) but fans aren't being allowed in to watch. We're a few miles away at a hotel. Very annoying...

[Tazio]

Man, FP3 was windy and wet, great action ;) @Duncan I guess their is still a chance that qualy will happen today, although more likely tomorrow if at all.

[Nitrodaze]

Anyone at the track at the mo? What is it like out there?

[The Black Knight]

Enjoyed watching the cars out in the wets for once. I was really impressed with Lewis's lap, the track was wetter than early in the session and he set his time. Made a few mistakes in the earlier runs but that lap was just a perfect example of how to drive in the wet. He was on the limit every corner and was magic to watch on board.

Nico's lap looked great as well - he looked on it and the track was drier then when Lewis set his, so was really surprised to see him so far off. Great to see all the drivers control in these conditions though.

For once Maldonado was impressive - over driving but nice to watch all the same. Showed that he actually has talent if he could temper it a bit.

[Duncan]

How did you get in? We were turned away.

Very surprised later to see that FP3 was actually run. We were back at the hotel by then. Showed up at noon per COTA's instructions but the weather was already worse by then. Back at the hotel again now...

[N4D13]

http://images.scribblelive.com/2015/10/24/9013a49c-8688-481e-9d06-82d29baad978_800.jpg

[kfzmeister]

Looks like Qualy tomorrow morning. 2pm British, so that is 8am Mountain time?
Have to make sure that i don't miss changing the clock, but i guess that i would tune in an hour early....
Can someone confirm that math???

[SteveA]

Don't confuse yourself with the UK clock change, USA daylight savings doesn't end until November 1!

Qualy will be at 9am CDT, which is 8am MDT, so your math(s) was correct ;)

[truefan72]

This was a nice reward for all those brave fans that came to the track on Saturday:
http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/13963091/us-grand-prix-circuit-opens-pit-lane-fans-saturday-washout

They were all invited to the pitlane and met all the teams and drivers
That must have been awesome

[steveaki13]

So today is potentially the day for action.

Anyone know what the weathers doing over there? Duncan and co. Does it look wet or dry?

[truefan72]

looks wet. Just looked at the weather forecast. currently 58F and raining

[steveaki13]

I love some rain as long as its not heavy. Cos despite the fact they ran FP3 on full wets, they wont allow that in a race.

Its inters or cancelled these days for some reason

[N4D13]

Great effort by most of the field there. I'm surprised that it was only Sainz that binned it, although Vettel had an extremely close call.

[COD]

I don't get this. Has F1 become oval racing, where every bit of rains cancells the whole thing?

There are no tyres or set up for rain anymore, because the teams know that if they cry to FIA, there will be no wet running. If the teams knew that driving would be obliged despite weathet, they would demand monsune tyres and would have proper wet setups

[steveaki13]

I don't get this. Has F1 become oval racing, where every bit of rains cancells the whole thing?

There are no tyres or set up for rain anymore, because the teams know that if they cry to FIA, there will be no wet running. If the teams knew that driving would be obliged despite weathet, they would demand monsune tyres and would have proper wet setups

It has been relatively unusual in this case, but generally I agree. Many of the wet races of recent years are nothing like Adelaide 89 or 91 etc.....

[steveaki13]

I remember Martin Brundle often telling a story when drivers were unsure in maybe one of those Oz races or Japan 94? That Bernie came down the grid telling them to get in there cars as the race would be starting in 10 minutes not matter what.

[Tazio]

Well according to this forecast, things look relatively good that the race will be run in dry, but windy conditions.-
http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/USTX0057:1:US

[steveaki13]

Amazing. Its not raining :rotflmao:

[Tazio]

'Sup Steve? getting close to go time.:)

[Tazio]

I wonder if anyone will start on slicks?:confused:

[steveaki13]

Taz.....

Yep. This could be a good one. Maybe its time for boss to take his 3rd title.

People bash Hamilton, but like Vettel. You deserve whatever you win.

[steveaki13]

I wonder if anyone will start on slicks?:confused:

If its anywhere near dry someone down the back might try it.

[steveaki13]

Some say it might rain a bit here and there.

Some say it will dry

What do we think? :p

[steveaki13]

Bottas onto slicks..... thats too early surely

[steveaki13]

Bottas 10 seconds a sector slower. In one lap he will lose a pitstop...............

Williams logic

[gm99]

Williams do have some sort of reverse-Midas touch: Everything they do in the pits turns into sh!t. Bottas losing half a minute on slicks...

[Tazio]

Massa donkey!:(

[steveaki13]

Williams do have some sort of reverse-Midas touch: Everything they do in the pits turns into sh!t. Bottas losing half a minute on slicks...

Losing half a minute a lap and now retires

[Tazio]

Taz.....

Yep. This could be a good one. Maybe its time for boss to take his 3rd title.

People bash Hamilton, but like Vettel. You deserve whatever you win. Yep, prop's to the Boss, a well earned championship he will claim here in the "Home of the Brave" ;)

[steveaki13]

Did Hamilton back the top four up so Rosberg could pass the Red Bulls? If so brilliant tactics.

[gm99]

I doubt Hamilton has reason to help Rosberg at this point in the championship...

[steveaki13]

True. Worked out well though

Exciting battle at least until dry tyres are fitted.

[gm99]

Rosberg whining about Kvyat rejoining the track even though he was well past him, anyway...

[gm99]

Well done Ricc! He must've watched the Rugby semis for extra inspiration :p

[Tazio]

Danny Boy takes the Boss for the lead!!:eek:

[steveaki13]

Rosberg often moans.

Ricciardo leads and Hamilton about to be passed by Rosberg

All action so far. Great stuff

[Tazio]

Wow Danny checking out!

[Tazio]

Boss got punked!

[gm99]

Kimi showing what he learned in WRC :D

[Tazio]

What a great race boyz!

[steveaki13]

Red Bulls fastest in the wet now getting mugged everywhere

Vettel looks super strong.

Rosberg is on for the win. He is mighty fast

[steveaki13]

Retirements

SC out. Just to stop Nico running away with it

[gm99]

Lots of retirements so far. Heck, even McLaren might get points today :p

SC, shame for Rosberg!

[COD]

Why did it have to dry out? Boring...

[steveaki13]

Rossi is 13th of 14. A couple more incidents and he could get a point in USA. That would be great

[steveaki13]

Why did it have to dry out? Boring...

Not been boring so far, but could be now. I expect a normal Ros, Ham, Vet podium as per usual

[gm99]

I assume both Mercedes will have to stop again?

[steveaki13]

Yes they must do

Hulk out.

[steveaki13]

Wow Vettel is looking like winning from 13th.

Amazing drive through the field

[Mark]

Only because of Merc mess ups
But still.

[Mark]

Kvyat stuffs it :(

[gm99]

Kvyat - how often has he been off the track today? Number one contender for donkey...

[Mark]

And advantage Hammy.

[steveaki13]

Kyvat such a donkey

Hamilton pits as does Vettel. Crazy race

12 cars left

Come on Rossi get that point. :)

[Nitrodaze]

Both Mclaren-Honda in the top 10 yeepeee

[Nitrodaze]

Max Verstapenn, what a rising star

[steveaki13]

Honestly crazy race

Rossi is 11th ahead of Nasr

[Mark]

Are they ever going to clear the safety car? I know it's America but.

[gm99]

Kyvat such a donkey

12 cars left

Come on Rossi get that point. :)

As he's currently 11th, it would only take Maldonado to crash out, which surely isn't entirely unrealistic ;)

[Mark]

Don't take each other out!!!!

[Mark]

Hamilton LEADS!

[steveaki13]

Nico making silly errors and gives Hamilton title chance. Unless Seb passes

[gm99]

Hamilton set to win the title with probably his least impressive drive of the year... Well done, Nico!

[gm99]

If I were Nico, I would let Seb through as well :D

[Mark]

Well done Lewis!

[truefan72]

I'm a little choked up!
i'll comment later

[Nitrodaze]

Lewis Hamilton three times Driver World Champion
Congratulation you sweet racer :-)

[Nitrodaze]

I wonder what Martin Whitmarsh think of this.

[Mark]

Ladies and Gentlemen! Sir Elton John!!

[gm99]

Ladies and Gentlemen! Sir Elton John!!

Who's gonna do the interviews in Mexico then - Julio Iglesias?

[steveaki13]

Nico seeming pretty unhappy on the podium.

Throwing the hat back, sour face. I know he probably was annoyed by his error and his championship failure.

[steveaki13]

Maybe he was also upset by the first corner incident.

He always comes second in those. Except Spa last year. Hamilton seems to be able to be that bit harder in wheel to wheel battle

[truefan72]

Maybe he was also upset by the first corner incident.

He always comes second in those. Except Spa last year. Hamilton seems to be able to be that bit harder in wheel to wheel battle

I don't think he is mad at the first corner incident as it ultimately and for most of the race played no factor in the outcome. He already passed hamilton fair and square on the track and from there on was ahead of him in control of the race until his mistake. I think he was probably mad at his mistake and the realty of not winning the championship. I also wonder if the pitwall gave him the hurry up and warned him of not to let vettel through.

[steveaki13]

Did you guys see the press conference? Rosberg pretty displeased with the first corner. Said it was pretty aggressive and then said well he just drove into me.

I think he is also suspicous about the error he made to give Lewis the lead. He seemed to be sending lots of messages out.

[Duncan]

That was a fantastic race. Unfortunately I couldn't post anything during the race because AT&T's network was apparently a bit clogged up...

Anyway, great result for Lewis, and the wet-to-dry conditions made for an interesting race. Very apparent that the Red Bull was very strong in early grip-limited conditions, before the pendulum swung dramatically back to Merc and Ferrari as the track dried. Some great fights up and down the field, good showing by Alex Rossi and what about Max Verstappen!

Very glad that the rain abated. We were pretty soggy by about lunchtime (as the rain was just about wound down) and managed to just about dry ourselves out by the time the race started.

[rjbetty]

I am very 'appy to see Jenson up in 6th ands I hear Alonso was running 5th with his new engine before it lost power, dropping him to his third 11th place in a row. I know there were safety cars etc but it must bode reasonably well for next season.

Great result for Verstappen too - another 4th! Only Vettel has ever also scored as high a result as that (and higher) in a Toro Rosso.

And yet another strong drive by Perez to 5th - he now has over twice Hulkenberg's points!

[Big Ben]

I tried to watch this one but didn't have much success. I can only watch F1 on RTL and my german is very limited. There are so many commercials on RTL that I missed almost everything. Everytime the broadcast came back on after commercials the order was completely different and I had no idea what had happened as I didn't understand much of what they were saying. At some point the commercials ended just in time for the safety car and when the safety car went out commercials started again:laugh:. I don't have a clue how Alonso and Button got to 5th and 6th at some point. What a waste of time...

[The Black Knight]

What a fantastic race. One of the best races in recent memory.

Lewis won it in style. I don't see what Rosberg is complaining about with in the first corner incident. Hamilton had the line and overtook - it didn't seem intentional to hit him me and it was just hard racing.

So Lewis finally walks with the greats now and he can continue his journey in style - what an amazing driver.

[Mia 01]

Lewis pushed Nico off track twice!! I think Nico should have let Seb passed him at the last lap, then some justice.

[Big Ben]

Lewis pushed Nico off track twice!! I think Nico should have let Seb passed him at the last lap, then some justice.

Do you still have a beef with Hammy? Isn't he blond now?

[dj_bytedisaster]

Taz.....

Yep. This could be a good one. Maybe its time for boss to take his 3rd title.

People bash Hamilton, but like Vettel. You deserve whatever you win.


That's not what people said when Vettel was winning.

[dj_bytedisaster]

Lewis won it in style. I don't see what Rosberg is complaining about with in the first corner incident. Hamilton had the line and overtook - it didn't seem intentional to hit him me and it was just hard racing.

So Lewis finally walks with the greats now and he can continue his journey in style - what an amazing driver.

When another driver won one title more than Lewis has up to now, people said, it was all the car - Seriously, does anyone think his last two titles were not won by default because he sat in a car that was completely without competition? No Red Bull was ever as ridiculously superior. You'll have to go back to the Schumacher years or 1988 to find something that ridiculously superior. 2014 and 2015 had nothing to do with Lewis. The Merc engine won those titles.

[kfzmeister]

No Red Bull was ever as ridiculously superior. You'll have to go back to the Schumacher years or 1988 to find something that ridiculously superior.

2011

[zako85]

2011

In 2011, Red Bull chassis was not as dominant over the rest of field as Mercedes is right now. After all, 7 of the 2011 season races were won by McLaren and Ferrari. In 2014 and 2015, non-Mercedes cars won only three times each season (so far). On the other hand, Vettel did not face a whole lot of competition from Mark Webber within the team in 2011. Webber won only one race that year, and that was because of mechanical issues in Vettel's car.

My view is that Mercedes is more dominant this season than the 2011 Red Bull, but Rosberg serves a very important purpose of keeping Hamilton "honest".

[The Black Knight]

When another driver won one title more than Lewis has up to now, people said, it was all the car - Seriously, does anyone think his last two titles were not won by default because he sat in a car that was completely without competition? No Red Bull was ever as ridiculously superior. You'll have to go back to the Schumacher years or 1988 to find something that ridiculously superior. 2014 and 2015 had nothing to do with Lewis. The Merc engine won those titles.

There's no doubting that Vettel is an amazing driver and I can't honestly dispute that. To win 4 titles in a row is an incredible achievement but I also think he benefited hugely from a pretty weak teammate and a whole lot of extremely good luck to win those four titles. Lets not forget that Vettel won 9 races in a row in 2013 and 13 races in total that year himself so to say he hasn't had dominant cars is a bit of a fallacy.

Lewis benefited from the Mercedes being the best car on the grid but he also has an extremely talented teammate in the other car. Nico Rosberg is no slouch and, as can been seen on occasion, he is faster than Lewis, he is just not able to put it all together enough because, to beat Lewis, you have to be on the limit every corner of every lap. I regard Rosberg as the kind of driver that is of WDC material. I really think he could win a WDC if Lewis wasn't his teammate. He's a brilliant driver. I couldn't have said the same about Mark alongside Vettel - he'd only have won a WDC probably in a Button 2009 situation.

The main difference that sticks out for me between Vettel and Hamilton is that Hamilton has had really strong teammates and he has always beaten them, excepting Button 2011, which was more down to Lewis two extra DNF's and his partying too much but he has always won a race with every single car he has been given. Vettel last year finally had a teammate whom he could be compared with and really didn't stack up too well. He failed to win a race, and his teammate won 3. I was hoping last year that Vettel would show what he could do but he didn't. This is why I think that if Hamilton were his teammate he wouldn't be able to handle the pressure he'd be put under over the course of a season. Hamilton is happy to have a teammate with equal machinery and equipment alongside him to prove himself against, Sebastien isn't and this is a flaw that would ultimately see him falter like he did last year, imo.

[jens]

I am unsure, how much better Rosberg really is than Webber was, if any. Webber could also qualify well - like Rosberg does - though Webber tended to throw races away with bad starts. His race pace overall wasn't that bad. Rosberg doesn't have remarkable race pace either.

Personally... I really hoped Rosberg could seriously challenge Hamilton, and it is always good for competition if we have lots of top drivers. Based on 2013 these hopes were justified, because he was running Hamilton very close that year. But based on what I have seen since then I can't rate Rosberg higher than the likes of Barrichello, Coulthard or Webber any more.