20:54
The weather conditions
There are a few clouds in the sky, but it’s still warm and the air temperature is 29 degrees. The track temperature is 34 degrees. The biggest challenge is likely to be the wind, which is strong and gusty.
20:52
The distance
Driving is on the Circuit of The Americas. The 5.513 kilometer track has 20 curves and was designed by the well-known Formula 1 architect Hermann Tilke. A special feature of the track is the first corner, which is uphill and the driver cannot see the exit. The bumps should also challenge the drivers.
20:49
Hamilton problems with the brakes
Not everything went smoothly for Lewis Hamilton in preparing for the race. His car is currently being worked on and the brakes are being replaced after he radioed the grid during the lap that the left brake was not working properly.
20:44
Vettel slips into the top ten
Sebastian Vettel also benefits from the engine penalties. The German was actually kicked out in Q2, but is now in the top ten on the grid in tenth place. Alex Albon was also able to secure a good starting position in the Williams thanks to the penalties. For him it starts from a good eighth place. Mick Schumacher dropped out after a spin in Q1 and is 16th on the grid.
20:35
Six riders with grid penalties
In addition to Charles Leclerc, there are five other drivers on the starting grid. After replacing the combustion engine and turbo, Leclerc will start the race from twelfth place. Sergio Pérez has to drop five places due to an engine penalty and will start from the nine. Fernando Alonso, who is now 14th, also got five places. Guanyu Zhou will start from 18th place after his five-position penalty. Two more penalties were added on race Sunday. Yuki Tsunoda has also changed engines and is 19th after his penalty. Esteban Ocon will start several parts from the pits after the change.
20:27
Sainz secures pole
Carlos Sainz will start from pole. After the Spaniard had already set good times in practice, he was also able to impress in qualifying and bagged first place on the grid by the skin of a hat. Next to him is Max Verstappen in the front row. Verstappen finished qualifying behind Leclerc in third place, but he was relegated after a grid penalty. Behind are the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
20:19
What else is it about?
On Saturday evening, the Red Bull received the sad news that the team’s owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, passed away at the age of 78. Team boss Christian Horner paid tribute to the Austrian and would like to try to win the Constructors’ Championship for Mateschitz early this weekend. Red Bull would have to get 26 points for that, because then Ferrari would not be able to catch up.
Warm welcome!
The US Formula 1 GP in Austin, Texas awaits the fans this weekend. It starts on Sunday at 9:00 p.m.!