2021 - Race 17 USA

[F1nKS]

Racing back in America. Won't have to get up early to watch this one. Heard one pundit say that COTA is similar to Turkey. Austin should be pleasant weather will no rain.

If that is the case Mercedes will roll and it will be a damage limitation for RBR as the world championship swings back to Lewis.

[Nitrodaze]

With six races to go and a mere six points between the current World Champion and the challenger for the crown, there is all to fight for. Both drivers have thrilled us with a battle where each has given no track space for the other to run away with this championship. They have run each other off the track, crashed into each other and had bad races where they have squandered opportunities to streak ahead.

But these last six races shall be very unforgiving to any mistakes or failure to capitalize on low hanging fruit situations. It is tight in the points which only shows how brilliant Verstappen is as a driver and how incredibly formidable Hamilton is as an opponent even with a slightly slower car for most of the season. But the tales are different now, the Mercedes cars seem to have found their mojo and Redbull appear not to have the clear advantage they have enjoyed for most of the season. Unfortunately, they have not fully capitalized on their advantage and they go into the last six races with a Mercedes that is just as fast and faster on some tracks.

Hence, we shall see desperations ramp up further these last races as each driver would try their level best to deny the other any chances to get ahead. This is the sort of season that may be won by as few points as one to six points. And it all comes down to minute differences in the operational efficiencies of the combined team and driver performances. When we talk about efficiency, we would normally think Mercedes have this as an advantage, but this season we have seen some woeful mistakes from the incumbent constructors champion. The driver's championship is at risk mainly because of some of those mistakes. And they have been lucky that Redbull has had mistakes of their own that have made it possible for Mercedes to be where they are currently.

But now the stakes are so high, such that any mistakes or poor judgement [strategic or otherwise] or slippage in performance [ Off-day, DNF etc] would be very costly and could hand the championship title to the other.

l say, "may the best man and team combination win". Whichever way this season concludes, it is set to be a historic season that future generation of fans would give their left nut to be present [in this day and time] to witness in person. They would have to suffer our rhetorics of how this 2021 title fight was won and lost.

Make no mistake, THIS 2021 SEASON IS A GOLDEN SEASON. We would have to wait for another Hamilton or Schumacher to come along and run up the title ladder to the benchmark set by Hamilton for the possibility of this sort of scenario to repeat itself. One thing we have learnt over the years is to not say "it would never happen again". We shall seat back and watch the future unfold with anticipation.

[F1nKS]

RBR says Mercedes's newfound performance increases will seal the championship for Mercedes unless RB is able to find a way to gain their own performance increase. RB admitted they don't have a plan at this time.

[Nitrodaze]

COTA is typically a Hamilton and Mercedes track. But the Redbull would go well here. We can expect the mercs to be properly challenged here by the Redbull pair. If Verstappenn can manage a flawless run in Q3, he could challenge the Mercs for pole and possibly the win on sunday. That said, Hamilton is usually mighty at COTA. It would take something special to deny him pole and the win. We should not forget Bottas is in the mix as well and racing for himself these days.

[F1nKS]

COTA is typically a Hamilton and Mercedes track. But the Redbull would go well here. We can expect the mercs to be properly challenged here by the Redbull pair. If Verstappenn can manage a flawless run in Q3, he could challenge the Mercs for pole and possibly the win on sunday. That said, Hamilton is usually mighty at COTA. It would take something special to deny him pole and the win. We should not forget Bottas is in the mix as well and racing for himself these days.

Those are all good points. Those talking heads have been more wrong about their conjectures than right. There were some prior to practices starting in Turkey that Red Bull might do well on there - but changed their tune quickly.

Looking back 2 years ago Verstappen was respectable - so he might have a shot of putting pressure on Hamilton.

[airshifter]

I just hope they sort out the contract for next year, as of now it's not in place. I'd hate to lose this track on the calender.

Unless RB have something new to offer, it looks like Merc has clawed back a lot of performance. I'd expect them to beat RB soundly at this and many of the remaining tracks. But.... I'm seriously doubting that RB will just sit back and do nothing. It's just a matter of what performance they can find at this point.

I still expect Merc to come out on top, but overall the cars have been close enough this year to make it a challenge. If not for driver errors, Lewis would be out in the lead quite a bit more, and the team has made some bad calls as well. With much less going wrong for them RB have still struggled to make any real advances in creating a large enough lead to allow them any breathing room.

Bagwan and his crystal ball might be right with what's going on this year!

[Bagwan]

Remember , Shifter , Aesop's money was on the turtle .

If the lowly Canuck saw it coming , then maybe the turtle did , too .

[F1nKS]

Remember , Shifter , Aesop's money was on the turtle .

If the lowly Canuck saw it coming , then maybe the turtle did , too .

Mercedes in an interview said they surprisingly found bandwidth to work not only on the 2022 car, but the 2021 car.

[Bagwan]

Mercedes in an interview said they surprisingly found bandwidth to work not only on the 2022 car, but the 2021 car.

I like soda biscuits .
Can you swim ?

[Fortitude]

FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 1
22 24 Oct 2021 Circuit of The Americas, Austin

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1102/united-states/practice-1.html


FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 2
22 24 Oct 2021 Circuit of The Americas, Austin

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1102/united-states/practice-2.html

[F1nKS]

Surprising results with Max taking pole. All the pundits were saying this was Hamilton's race.

With engine issues that seem to be plaguing Mercedes/Bottas - I am wondering if Mercedes improvements were from extracting more performance from the engine at the risk of reliability. My hypothesis is that Mercedes chose to turn the engine down this week over their concerns. I guess it is possible that we find out that RBR made some significant changes going into this weekend.

Should be interesting start tomorrow.

[airshifter]

The first turn should be interesting to say the least. I expect Lewis to be in full attack mode early on, but this year so far Max has been getting the better starts usually. With Perez up near the front for a change, it looks like Lewis is going to be the odd man out, and RB will have the upper hand on strategy coverage. From the sounds of things RB got lucky with the weather, and barely squeaked in their last laps.

Ferrari, McLaren, and Alpha Tauri lined up in pairs after the frontrunners, with Bottas tossed in there after his penalty.

Race pace could be another story..... with changing weather it seems that several cars have been sensitive to track temps, and we will see who got it right tomorrow. Looks like there is at least potential for a good race.

[Fortitude]

FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 3
22 24 Oct 2021 Circuit of The Americas, Austin

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1102/united-states/practice-3.html


FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2021 - QUALIFYING
22 24 Oct 2021 Circuit of The Americas, Austin

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1102/united-states/qualifying.html


'I'm not worried about what's happening behind me' – Verstappen relaxed about front-row showdown with Hamilton
23 October 2021

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.im-not-worried-about-whats-happening-behind-me-verstappen-relaxed-about.5Qe039EvBtiN5tZH6xK4mp.html


'I felt like this could be my day' says Perez as he misses out on maiden pole in Texas
24 October 2021

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-felt-like-this-could-be-my-day-says-perez-as-he-misses-out-on-maiden-pole.7guYQ03Dl6gCbAuYahv7wR.html

[F1nKS]

Max for the Win!

RB wins a strategy race over Mercedes.

[airshifter]

Quite the interesting race overall, and this time RB got it right. I'll have to admit I thought they came in too early on the second stop, but in the end it gave Max enough breathing room to look after his tires and have enough left to race at the end. Great calls overall by the team, both with Max and Sergio.

Max and Lewis showed just how strong they are above the rest of the field once more. Granted Perez was obviously exhausted with no drink system, but the two frontrunners have a lot of speed on the field without doubt.

Blazer of a start by Lewis. I don't know if it was planned, but I think it was a wise move for Max to push and stay in touch even if it cost him early tire wear. But even with DRS, there was little to no chance of the RB passing the Merc without an error by Lewis.

I thought it was rather desperate of Alonso to act like Kimi gained an advantage after pushing him wide and causing the situation. But he's always thinking at least.

Great races by both Ferrari and McLaren today as well. And for a change, Danny Ric finished several positions ahead of Lando. Maybe it's all finally coming together for him, or maybe Lando just didn't have a great race. Only time will tell I guess. Bottas had a lot of work on his hands today, and it was surprising that he finally got past Sainz at the end. But it was another example of just how hard it is to follow and pass at some of these tracks still. Hopefully most of that is gone next year. If the cars are close it could make for a great year.


Shaq in the longhorn car made for an interesting twist... COTA seems to be good at those things.


I think there is still plenty of room for a challenge from Merc. They just got out foxed today, but I expect them to be back. On to Mexico!

[joe1888cfc]

Very good race, went to the wire. Red bull and Max just too darn quick for Lewis. Knew watching bottas struggle that it wasn't just a matter of Lewis catching and passing max, once he gets closer he always struggles.
Well done max!

[denkimi]

I felt it was weird to have the pole position on the ouside of the first corner. Starting p2 actually gives you a better chance to lead after that than starting at pole



I thought it was rather desperate of Alonso to act like Kimi gained an advantage after pushing him wide and causing the situation. But he's always thinking at least.

I like how alsonso tries to shake things up to show how stupid race control and their random penalty's are.

What better way to show the mess they created when they allowed pushing drivers off the track than to demonstrate it.

[Fortitude]

FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2021 - RACE RESULT
22 24 Oct 2021 Circuit of The Americas, Austin

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1102/united-states/race-result.html


Video
RACE HIGHLIGHTS: See all the key moments from the US Grand Prix in Austin
24 October 2021

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.race-highlights-see-all-the-key-moments-from-the-us-grand-prix-in-austin.5TNCsdqgG8lysHtKwnafG3.html


DRIVER OF THE DAY: Verstappen's aggressive Austin drive gets your vote
24 October 2021

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.driver-of-the-day-verstappens-aggressive-austin-drive-gets-your-vote.2Ird3Iy7bYDMTQMJgZsPCI.html


Feature
United States Grand Prix Facts & Stats: Red Bull’s 200th podium and Honda’s first US win since Senna
Virtual Statman
Sean Kelly
24 October 2021

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.united-states-grand-prix-facts-and-stats-red-bulls-200th-podium-and-hondas.jmiYQNlX92bSkDK4xKhT5.html


FORMULA 1
Verstappen surprised by Hamilton at Turn 1: I thought I had a decent start!
Red Bull's Max Verstappen said that he felt he'd made a good start to the United States Grand Prix, until a Mercedes drew alongside him...
Author Thomas Maher

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-surprised-by-hamilton-at-turn-1-i-thought-i-had-a-decent-start


Max Verstappen highlights key for Red Bull turnaround to seize US Grand Prix victory
The Dutchman held on to secure an important victory in the F1 title race and extend his championship lead
Jamie Braidwood

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/max-verstappen-hamilton-us-grand-prix-b1944654.html


Formula 1
US Grand Prix: Max Verstappen reveals how he felt with Lewis Hamilton hounding him in final laps
By George Dagless
Published: 25 Oct 2021, 9:30

https://www.givemesport.com/1774108-us-grand-prix-max-verstappen-reveals-how-he-felt-with-lewis-hamilton-hounding-him-in-final-laps


Verstappen calls U.S. Grand Prix win a gamble that paid off
Monday, October 25, 2021 - 10:40

After the United States Grand Prix, Max Verstappen admitted that he had taken a gamble by twice entering the pits early for new tires. However, Red Bull's tactical choices paid off as Verstappen managed to keep his rival Lewis Hamilton behind him and strengthened his leading position in the Formula 1 World Cup standings in Texas.

https://nltimes.nl/2021/10/25/verstappen-calls-us-grand-prix-win-gamble-paid


Red Bull considered a third pit stop for Verstappen
After a tricky second stint that saw Max Verstappen's tyres last just 19 laps, Red Bull considered bringing the Dutchman in for a third pit stop.
Author Adriano Boin

https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-considered-a-third-pit-stop-for-verstappen


Red Bull’s Christian Horner: “What an incredible victory and double podium for the Team!”
By Paul Hensby
October 25, 2021

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2021/10/red-bulls-christian-horner-what-an-incredible-victory-and-double-podium-for-the-team/


Formula 1
Mark Hughes: Verstappen’s brilliance enabled Red Bull’s boldness
By Mark Hughes

https://the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-verstappens-brilliance-enabled-red-bulls-boldness/


Father says Verstappen ‘simply one of the best’
OCTOBER 25, 2021
ANDREW MAITLAND

https://grandpx.news/father-says-verstappen-simply-one-of-the-best/


Perez’s ‘toughest race ever’ due to illness, no water
Date published: October 25 2021 - Michelle Foster

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-toughest-race-ever-us-gp/


Sergio Pérez: 'It was just a surviving mode' with no water after Lap 1 at a very hot COTA
Sergio Pérez says "it was extremely tough" with no water in his Red Bull car after Lap 1 at a very hot Circuit of the Americas as he describes feeling week and being in "surviving mode" for most of the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
24 Oct 2021

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.sergio-perez-it-was-just-a-surviving-mode-with-no-water-after-lap-1-at-a-very-hot-cota.1714538535663357880.html


Unwell Perez endured 'toughest race ever' in Austin
Phillip van Osten
24/10/2021 at 23:2825/10/2021 at 00:32

https://f1i.com/news/422381-unwell-perez-endures-toughest-race-ever-in-austin.html


Perez reveals physical battle at US GP following upset stomach
by Fergal Walsh

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/10/24/perez-reveals-physical-battle-at-us-gp-following-upset-stomach/


Perez stomach bug and drinks failure lead to "toughest race ever"
Ewan Gale
Sunday 24 October 2021 23:43 - Updated: 23:58

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/71293/perez-stomach-bug-and-drinks-failure-lead-to-toughest-race-ever/

[Nitrodaze]

It was a great bounce-back for Redbull and Verstappen. Unfortunately, this time, Mercedes did not set up their car with the right balance which cost them this race l felt. Hence, we did not have the head to head with both cars in their best setup. Whatever the case, the stage seems to be set for Verstappen to win the drivers championship, as we head to Redbull tracks in Mexico and Brazil. The championship gap is set to widen even further with a possibility of the championship going to the wire if Hamilton and Mercedes can win both the desert races of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Even so, Verstappen would need to finish on the podium at Abu Dhabi to win the driver championship.

That said, this would only be the case if Verstappen can win in Mexico and Brazil. If Hamilton can at least win Brazil before heading into the desert, then the driver's championship could be thrown wide open again heading into Abu Dhabi.

It was a bit unclear which of the two racecars is faster as Mercedes did not dial their car into its best setup. Redbull did and walked away with the win. It seems they are equally as fast as the other in their best trim at the moment.

.

[denkimi]

I hope hamilton manages to win the next round so it stays as close as possible till the very end.

[Firstgear]

Unfortunately, this time, Mercedes did not set up their car with the right balance which cost them this race l felt..

I watched a youtube video yesterday that claims Mercedes gains over the last few races have come from a new 'trick' rear lowering suspension. It said that due to the curvy layout/geometry of COTA this system was ineffective there. It didn't go on to say which of the remaining races it would be more effective at, but I suspect it's the ones with more longer straights.

[truefan72]

It was a great bounce-back for Redbull and Verstappen. Unfortunately, this time, Mercedes did not set up their car with the right balance which cost them this race l felt. Hence, we did not have the head to head with both cars in their best setup. Whatever the case, the stage seems to be set for Verstappen to win the drivers championship, as we head to Redbull tracks in Mexico and Brazil. The championship gap is set to widen even further with a possibility of the championship going to the wire if Hamilton and Mercedes can win both the desert races of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Even so, Verstappen would need to finish on the podium at Abu Dhabi to win the driver championship.

That said, this would only be the case if Verstappen can win in Mexico and Brazil. If Hamilton can at least win Brazil before heading into the desert, then the driver's championship could be thrown wide open again heading into Abu Dhabi.

It was a bit unclear which of the two racecars is faster as Mercedes did not dial their car into its best setup. Redbull did and walked away with the win. It seems they are equally as fast as the other in their best trim at the moment.

.

Only just watched the race last night and didn’t want to come on the forums for spoilers lol.
Yeah things seem to be destined for rbr and verstappen. But we shall see. Its a 12 point gap. Not insurmountable but concerning. The undercut was significant and for a moment i thought mercedes would have gone with a 1 stop strategy. It made no sense to leave hamilton on a longer first stint instead of coming in a lap later and minimizing the undercut gap. Oh well. Might have won it if it was a 60 lap race. Haha

Once again, bottas was nowhere.
Congrats to Max and Perez


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nitrodaze]

Only just watched the race last night and didn’t want to come on the forums for spoilers lol.
Yeah things seem to be destined for rbr and verstappen. But we shall see. Its a 12 point gap. Not insurmountable but concerning. The undercut was significant and for a moment i thought mercedes would have gone with a 1 stop strategy. It made no sense to leave hamilton on a longer first stint instead of coming in a lap later and minimizing the undercut gap. Oh well. Might have won it if it was a 60 lap race. Haha

Once again, bottas was nowhere.
Congrats to Max and Perez


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Mercedes strategic deliberations produce decisions that are hit and miss. This has been the weakest area of their operation. And one that we have identified as a potential to cost them one of the championships this season. As it goes, it is looking like the driver's championship.

You are right of course, you never know what the next few races might throw out. Twelve points is certainly not a comfortable lead but a psychological elixir no less. Verstappen can smell the title like Massa in 2008 but this time with five races to go. For the 4th time in Hamilton's career, he has been fought hard to the end of the season. He has that experience to pull on. For Verstappen, this is all new. The last time he was in this sort of position was in his F3 days. But having an F1 father behind him to keep him steady goes a long way. Just look at how far Verstappen has come. Even so, neither father nor son has ever experienced what is looking possibly to happen. It is quite exciting to watch this season unfold.

One thing is certain, Mercedes need to shake things up for 2022. Their current paddock staffing would not do for the next era of racing.

[Nitrodaze]

I watched a youtube video yesterday that claims Mercedes gains over the last few races have come from a new 'trick' rear lowering suspension. It said that due to the curvy layout/geometry of COTA this system was ineffective there. It didn't go on to say which of the remaining races it would be more effective at, but I suspect it's the ones with more longer straights.

It is very likely the case. The Merc was a bit unstable coming out of the corners. The rear end was very unbalanced.

[Bagwan]

I hope hamilton manages to win the next round so it stays as close as possible till the very end.

That's the plan .
Shhhhh .

[denkimi]

That's the plan .
Shhhhh .
I assume the plan from mercedes is to win at every race. Which is kinda the same plan like redbull.

But only one of those plans can work out at the same time.

[zako85]

As always, Fernando Alonso managed to extract 115% out of his car's performance.

(A throwback to the crazy comments of 2011-2012 era :-)