🏁 F1 United States GP 2024 race time

Hey, it's Friday again!

And now, for real, Formula 1 is back :)

This weekend we will get to enjoy the United States Grand Prix, which not only includes Sunday’s race but also a sprint race on Saturday. We couldn’t ask for more!

RACE TIME

Here is the full weekend schedule adjusted to your local time in the United States.

KEY STATS

Track length: 5.513 km (56 laps)
Lap record: 1:36.196 Leclerc (2019)
DRS zones: 2
Overtakes in 2023: 78
Safety Car probability: 14%
Virtual Safety Car probability: 43%
Total pit stop time loss: 20.3 s

WHERE TO WATCH

How and where to watch Formula 1 in your country here.

THE TYRES

The teams will have the Pirelli tire range available: C2, C3 and C4.

NEWS

🛣️ Track resurfaced
The Austin track has been completely resurfaced to remove the bumps that caused problems last year, leading to Hamilton and Leclerc being disqualified due to damage to their cars. Since it is a sprint race weekend, teams will only have one practice session (Free Practice 1) to learn about the new asphalt, its grip and other features. This might lead to some surprises during the race.

🔧 Car heights
The FIA suspects that a team has developed a system to adjust the car's ride height from the cockpit during qualifying and the race, which is against the rules. They plan to do detailed inspections in Austin. While they haven't named the team, rumors around the paddock suggest it could be Red Bull.

🔙 Toyota is back
It's official: Toyota is returning to Formula 1 by partnering with Haas. After 15 years away, Toyota will be back in a very different role. Ferrari will still be the engine supplier but Toyota will help Haas with design, technology, manufacturing and the overall development of the team. This partnership starts this weekend.

1️⃣ One less point
After the controversy where Ricciardo took the fastest lap point from Norris in the last race, the FIA has decided to stop giving an extra point for the fastest lap starting next year. The rule was introduced in 2019, but not everyone liked it, especially teams at the back. This year will be the last time it’s used.

💭 Rumor of the week...
... is that, once again, Pérez’s future with Red Bull next year is not guaranteed. Helmut Marko has said that Tsunoda and Lawson are both being considered to race alongside Verstappen next year. It will all depend on how they perform in the final six races. If one of them gets promoted, Isack Hadjar, current Formula 2 driver and Red Bull reserve, could join the RB team.

 

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Anyhow, thank you for reading and, of course, feel free to reply and give me your feedback.

-- Ric, a passionate F1 enthusiast