The unmistakeable pitch of a Formula 1 race hasn’t been heard from tarmac in the United States since 2007. Now, it is back.
The opening run at the Circuit Of The Americas and the United States Grand Prix has been run with full grandstands and fanfare. The course proved to be a challenge not only because of the unfamiliar racing characteristics but also with brand new… everything.
Sebastion Vettel seemed to take to it just a little quicker than the others with fast practice times and the pole from qualifying. Lewis Hamilton also took to the new course with good laps and a 2nd position from the start.
Fernando Alonso, coming into the USA in the 2nd points spot after holding the lead for a big part of the season was also ready to take the Texas track by the horns and have a good run. He started 7th on the grid but was up to 4th after the first turn.
However, it was Vettel’s race to run from the pole and might have been an all the way race except for determined driving from Lewis Hamilton. Lap by lap and turn by turn Hamilton shortened the gap. Pit stops put things off a bit but at lap 42 Hamilton pushed the McLaren by the Red Bull Renault.
Alonso managed to move to 3rd but it was more by default, twice over. He had been behind Vettel’s teammate, Mark Webber, when the #2 Red Bull car developed mechanical issues and dropped off the course giving the 3rd spot up. Pit stops put Alonso back once again into the 3rd spot.
Vettel gave a run on Hamilton to run out the remainder of the 56 laps but it was Lewis Hamilton holding the front to the finish.
The track proved to be a good test for the drivers coming in. There were spins and overshots on the turns but by the green flag they all seemed to have the rhythm. Overall a good start for the return of Formula 1 to the United States. Close racing, tight passes, and a repeat winner.
Lewis Hamilton also won the last race in America at Indianapolis in 2007.
Hamilton and Vettel switched positions for the finish. Alonso moved up four spots and that was, for the most part, out of the first turn. Most of the “racing” happened in the 4th spot back but Hamilton and Vettel gave everyone something to watch up front.
The last race of this season hits Brazil with no real change in points. Sebastion Vettel is still on top. Fernando Alonso is few points back. Kimi Räikkönen is 3rd. The manufacturer points also have the Red Bull-Renault team on top followed by Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes. Red Bull-Renault have locked on this one however, mathematically, Alonso could still overtake the drivers’ points. It would take a harsh bit of bad luck to fall on Vettel but it is possible.
The likely result is a Red Bull sweep after Brazil.
F1 in America at the new Circuit Of The Americas has been run and done for this year with style, speed and grace. Next year it should be even better.