Formula 1 | Presentation and schedules of the 2024 F1 United States Grand Prix

After a second four-week break during this 2024 season, the F1 season resumes this weekend in Austin, for the United States Grand Prix. The opportunity for Lando Norris to reduce the gap with Max Verstappen among the drivers, and for McLaren to continue to take the lead among the constructors.

Verstappen could for his part regain the lead or limit the damage, which will necessarily help him with six rounds to go. Behind, Ferrari and Mercedes will want to get involved in this fight to continue to add to their 2024 prize list.

On the side of the route

Present on the calendar since 2012, the Circuit of the Americas immediately gained unanimous support. Its clever mix of changes of direction and technical sections makes it a real challenge for cars and drivers.

Its first turn, an uphill hairpin, offers an impressive view as the twenty cars compete at the start. This year it was resurfaced in a few corners to limit the bumps that were becoming problematic.

Turn 1 – Pole position and Turn 1 are 500 meters apart, but the height difference reaches no less than 40 meters and you enter the turn once at the top. The track is very wide to offer different trajectories for overtaking.

Turn 3 – The entrance to the Esses. After Turn 3 at full throttle in seventh gear, you switch into a very fast right-left-right where high downforce is required.

Turns 8/9 – Watch out for the vibrator inside Turn 9. Cars arrive there from Turn 8, negotiated at 130 km/h. You have to make a successful exit to keep your predecessors within DRS range.

Turn 11 – This slow second gear corner leads to the longest straight on the circuit. A good exit is important to facilitate – or prevent – ​​an overtake.

Turn 12 – Located at the end of a kilometer of straight line, the heavy braking of Turn 12 at 330 km/h represents the best opportunity for overtaking the route.

Turns 13/16 – A series of slow turns, the scene of numerous duels in recent editions.

Turns 17/18 – The front wings are adjusted to avoid any understeer in this double left. These corners should be swallowed at full speed with the new F1 cars.

Turn 19 – A small, moderately fast curve where it is easy to go wide.

Turn 20 – The final corner leads to the pit straight and the second DRS zone.

Forces present

McLaren F1 should once again be at its advantage, while the MCL38 is the most versatile car on the grid. Ferrari had been at its advantage despite poor tire management, and the Scuderia could well benefit from it again.

Mercedes is an unknown, just like Red Bull, which was not at its best during a few races but found a very good level in Singapore with Max Verstappen. With only one free session, the hierarchy will certainly evolve over the weekend.

United States Grand Prix schedules

The schedules for the United States Grand Prix, along with Mexico, are the latest of the season in France. With a Sprint again, the times will be exactly the same as last year.

– Friday October 18

7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.: Free Practice

23h30-0h14 : Qualifications Sprint

– Saturday October 19

20h00-21h00 : Sprint

0h00-1h00 : Sprint

– Sunday October 20

21h00-23h00 : Course

The winners of the United States Grand Prix