F1 USA Grand Prix Preview: Verstappen to equal his own win record

Formula 1 has three races in the United States this year, but the actual United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is by far the most authentic. 

In 2012, Formula 1 set up shop at the purpose-built Circuit of the Americas, located on expansive undulating land to the south east of Texas’ vibrant capital, Austin.

Austin immediately established itself as a favourite on the calendar and is known for its extensive music scene, barbecues, and bars, with Sixth Street and Rainey Street festooned with patrons throughout the grand prix weekend. 

And COTA is pretty popular with the drivers too.

The circuit’s first sector replicates high-speed direction changes from other venues, most notably Silverstone and Suzuka, with drivers lauding the complex of corners.

There is plentiful room for overtaking, too, with a lengthy back straight and a ‘stadium’ section where drivers can adopt different lines and run side-by-side.

A strong circuit for Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has the most wins at COTA – five, including four in a row – and has only finished off the podium once since it joined the calendar in 2012.

Hamilton has finished runner-up at each of the last three COTA races and secured two of his seven world titles – in 2015 and 2019 – at the venue.

Last season he led chunks of the race, but was classified as runner-up to Max Verstappen in what was one of his strongest displays of a winless campaign. 

Hamilton, third in the championship, must nonetheless rebound from a disappointing day at Lusail, retiring on the opening lap following a collision with Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

And this year drivers will get two opportunities to race as F1 Sprint will be run at COTA, following on from its presence at Lusail, marking the first time the championship has held back-to-back Sprint rounds. 

Same, but different?

Max Verstappen victorious, flanked by the McLaren drivers.

That has been the outcome at the past two grands prix, with Verstappen controlling proceedings in Japan and Qatar, bringing his victory tally for the season up to 14.

One more win and the new three-time World Champion will match his own record, set just last year, for the most victories in one season. 

Verstappen has won the last two races at COTA and is on a four-race unbeaten streak in the USA having also won the two editions of Miami’s grand prix. 

In recent races McLaren has emerged as Verstappen’s closest challenger, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collaborating in Japan and Qatar to secure a double podium finish. 

Piastri’s podiums were particularly impressive, hitting the ground running on his first visit to Japan, and showing strong pace from the outset at another new venue for him in Qatar.

Piastri’s fellow rookie, Logan Sargeant, will be the only home representative on the grid at COTA, and his ambitions are likely to be significantly lower.

Sargeant is still chasing his first Formula 1 point and has retired from the last two grands prix amid a challenging run of form for the young American. 

Recommended bets:

Back Verstappen for victory @ 1.3

Back Hamilton to finish on the podium @ 3.0