Poll: Official 2023 United States Grand Prix Thread - Circuit of the Americas, Austin - Round 19

[chrismscotland]

Austin​

When was the track built?​

The Circuit of The Americas, designed by Hermann Tilke in collaboration with American architectural firm HKS, endured something of a nervy start, with construction suffering several setbacks. It was well worth the wait, though, when 1978 F1 champion Mario andretti opened the track on October 21 2012.

When was its first Grand Prix?​

F1 first raced at the Circuit of The Americas in 2012, for the first United States Grand Prix since the 2007 race at Indianapolis. Unsurprisingly, over 100,000 spectators packed out the Austin venue, witnessing Lewis Hamilton’s last ever win in a McLaren before his switch to Mercedes for 2013.

What’s the circuit like?​

If the corners at COTA seem familiar, they should be. Turns 3 through 6 look not dissimilar to Silverstone's high-speed run through Maggotts/Becketts or the S Curves at Suzuka, while Turns 12 through 15 mimic Hockenheim's stadium section. Meanwhile, the uphill run into wide, wide Turn 1 – hey, everything’s bigger in Texas, right? – has provided some fine overtaking action in the track’s short life.

Why go?​

There’s a reason Austin is often regarded as America’s coolest city, with great food and a vibrant nightlife, all united under the banner of the city’s unofficial slogan: ‘Keep Austin Weird’. Then when racing starts, you’ll be in attendance at one of the great modern race tracks. With the Americans’ attitude to partying, you won’t want to miss out!

Where is the best place to watch?​

You’re spoilt for choice. If you sit in the main grandstand on the start-finish straight you’ll get – in true US style – the benefit of an in-seat food and drinks service, while those in the stand at Turn 1 enjoy a view all the way to downtown Austin. But if you want to see the racing action up close, find a way into the the Stadium Section stands at Turns 15/16.

United States Grand Prix 2023 - Schedule Information & TV Broadcast Times​

Channel 4 Highlights - Broadcast Times​

Sunday 22nd October- United States GP Qualifying & Sprint Race Highlights - 08:00
Monday 23rd October- United States GP Race Highlights - 00:30

Weekend Weather Forecast (as of 16/10/2023)​

Track Diagram & Information​

Previous Race Highlights​

• United States Grand Prix 2022 - Race Highlights
• United States Grand Prix 2021 - Race Highlights
• United States Grand Prix 2019 - Race Highlight

Drivers Championship​

Constructors Championship​

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Just a reminder, but consider it a warning - can we not have any further derogatory name calling of drivers, team bosses and the like. We don't expect you to like every driver/team, but at least keep comments respectful.

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[bayo000]

Good to see DR back on the grid.

 

[chrismscotland]

Not a huge fan of this race personally but we'll see - I quite like the timing's, feels later in the evening than usual although nice timing leaving a break on Fri and Sat for the Rugby World Cup Semi finals! (I don't think it was deliberate)

 

[jaybee]

Season is so dull. I'm not sure what to hope for really in this race. A Perez win. Leclerc or Hamilton getting a win. Alonso. I mean anyone but Max winning would be good.

 

[turbot1984]

So on to race two of three in the USA, big bucks for Liberty Media no doubt? Same next year I think?

 

[ci_newman]

That sprint timing is a big two fingers up to the European audience..

 

[chrismscotland]

That sprint timing is a big two fingers up to the European audience..

To be fair. So many of the "flyaway" races are half later etc to better suit Europe, its not wrong to give at least one race a proper time for the locals.

 

[Stu999]

That sprint timing is a big two fingers up to the European audience..

It’s not that late. I prefer that to 6am.

 

[ci_newman]

It’s not that late. I prefer that to 6am.

Midnight is definitely late, by all definitions

 

[JRS]

That sprint timing is a big two fingers up to the European audience..

Oh no! The entirely pointless sprint race is on at a weird time! However shall we cope?

 

[Scam]

Oh no! The entirely pointless sprint race is on at a weird time! However shall we cope?

Ha. My thoughts exactly. It is quite late for Austin though, 5pm?

 

[Stumble Bum]

I like this track, turn 1 is pretty epic and there's usually some good racing throughout the track.

I hope we get some more awkward driver intros like last year.

 

[cainer]

I hope we get some more awkward driver intros like last year.

Wasn't that Miami earlier this year?

 

[Scam]

Didn't they chuck them in some hideous car dressed up as a stag, with cowboy hats on or something? Total cringe.

 

[chrismscotland]

Didn't they chuck them in some hideous car dressed up as a stag, with cowboy hats on or something? Total cringe.

I can only imagine how bad Vegas is going to be

 

[chrismscotland]

Wasn't that Miami earlier this year?

They got Michael Buffer to introduce them at Austin a few years ago, cringe

 

[Stu999]

I can only imagine how bad Vegas is going to be

It’s gonna be awesome. They have to have showgirls

 

[bayo000]

Midnight is definitely late, by all definitions

You're either very young or very old

 

[img]

Can be a good race. I know a few people who live near and they dont go as traffic is so bad takes hours.

 

[Scam]

Can be a good race. I know a few people who live near and they dont go as traffic is so bad takes hours.

Is that in the American way wherein they could get out of their car and walk it in 25mins instead?