"Let’s show Texas what we can do"
After a thrilling month-long hiatus, Formula 1 roars back to life with the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, iconic layout, and unpredictable challenges, this race is a crown jewel of the F1 calendar.
This year, McLaren steals the spotlight with a dazzling chrome livery—unveiled in partnership with Google—while drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri gear up for a high-stakes Sprint weekend. Below, we break down everything you need to know: track insights, key terminology, weekend schedule, and even style tips to channel that Texan spirit.
Why the US Grand Prix Stands Out
- Iconic Track: COTA’s Turn 1—a 133-foot uphill climb—offers breathtaking overtaking opportunities.
- Cultural Vibrancy: Austin’s live music, BBQ, and passionate fans create a festival-like ambiance.
- Unpredictable Elements: Sudden weather changes and tire degradation add strategic complexity.
Race Weekend Schedule
| Session | Date | Time (Local) |
|------------------|------------|--------------|
| FP1 | Fri 18 Oct | 17:30–18:30 |
| Sprint Quali | Fri 18 Oct | 21:30–22:15 |
| Sprint | Sat 19 Oct | 18:00–19:00 |
| Qualifying | Sat 19 Oct | 22:00–23:00 |
| Race | Sun 20 Oct | 19:00–21:00 |
👉 Explore the full weekend lineup
Circuit of the Americas: Track Breakdown
- Turn 1: A steep uphill challenge with late-braking overtakes.
- Turns 3–6: High-speed sequence inspired by Silverstone and Suzuka.
- Turns 12–15: Hockenheim-style stadium section leading into a DRS zone.
- Final Corners (16–18): Multi-apex right-hander for close racing.
Fun Fact: COTA blends elements from legendary tracks worldwide, making it a driver favorite.
2024 Season Snapshot
McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship by 41 points after victories in Baku and Singapore. With updates expected from rivals, this triple-header could reshape the title fight.
F1 Lingo Explained: Overcut vs. Undercut
- Undercut: Pit early to gain time on fresh tires (ideal for high-degradation tracks like Singapore).
- Overcut: Stay out longer to leverage clean-air speed (effective in low-degradation circuits like Monaco).
Austin Essentials: What to Wear
Channel cowboy chic with:
- McLaren’s Austin 24 T-shirt or hoodie.
- Boot-cut jeans and a New Era Austin cap (red/white/blue).
👉 Shop the official collection
FAQs
Q: Why is COTA’s Turn 1 so special?
A: Its elevation change and width create multiple racing lines, enabling dramatic overtakes.
Q: How does the Sprint format work?
A: Friday’s qualifying sets the Sprint grid (Sat), while regular qualifying (Sat) determines Sunday’s race order.
Q: What’s unique about Austin’s F1 atmosphere?
A: Think concerts, food trucks, and fan zones—it’s a full-blown festival.
Final Lap: With McLaren’s chrome rockets and Texas’s wild energy, the 2024 US Grand Prix promises edge-of-the-seat action. Whether you’re trackside or watching globally, don’t miss a second!
Need more F1 insights? 👉 Dive deeper here.