As we approach this weekend’s US Grand Prix, let us take a look at how things turned out in the previous edition in 2022 – who won the last time?
The United States Grand Prix for the 2022 Formula One World Championship took place on October 23, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
This event marked the 51st edition of the United States Grand Prix and was the 19th round of the 2022 championship. Notably, it was the 43rd time this race counted as part of the World Championship since it began in 1950, and the tenth time it was hosted at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
In 2022, the three-day Formula One United States Grand Prix event achieved a remarkable milestone in terms of attendance. An impressive crowd of approximately 440,000 fans attended the event, breaking Formula One’s previous North American attendance record of 400,000, which was established during the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
The final race on Sunday drew in over 150,000 spectators at the Circuit of the Americas, surpassing the attendance of the inaugural Formula One race at the circuit in 2012.
This surge in attendance was attributed to the growing popularity of Formula 1: Drive to Survive in the United States, as well as the accommodation of 2020 tickets due to the cancellation of the 2020 United States Grand Prix amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, emerged as the victor in the race, with Lewis Hamilton securing second place and Charles Leclerc coming in third. This triumphant performance not only earned Verstappen the top spot but also, with his teammate Sergio Pérez finishing fourth, led to Red Bull clinching their fifth Constructors’ Championship title. This achievement marked their first win in this category since 2013.
Verstappen claimed his 13th victory in the 2022 season, matching the record for most wins in a single year set by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton put up a strong defense against Verstappen but couldn’t prevent a remarkable pass by the Dutch driver on the 50th lap. At one point, Verstappen’s lead narrowed to less than a second, but he effectively fended off Hamilton for the rest of the race. Red Bull’s triumph in the constructors’ championship added to the team’s joy and celebration.
Carlos Sainz initially secured pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session. Unfortunately, in the race, Sainz’s outing was cut short after he collided with George Russell, causing significant damage and forcing him out of the United States Grand Prix. Russell received a five-second penalty from race officials as a result. This incident opened the door for Verstappen to take the lead, and the reigning 2022 F1 champion predictably showcased a dominant performance from that position. Despite some minor car issues, he controlled the race comfortably until making a pit stop on Lap 36.
Who are the most successful F1 drivers at the US Grand Prix?
Lewis Hamilton stands out as the most accomplished Formula 1 driver at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) to date, boasting an impressive six victories. His dominance in the US Grand Prix is underscored by a series of commanding performances over the years.
Since the inauguration of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in 2012, Hamilton has consistently showcased his exceptional skills on this racetrack. His record of six wins at this venue underscores his remarkable driving talent and his ability to excel under varying track conditions.
Hamilton’s achievements in the US Grand Prix are characterized by his extraordinary consistency. He has adeptly navigated the challenging sections of the circuit, demonstrating a profound understanding of the intricacies of the track layout. Whether it involves managing tire strategies, executing precise overtakes, or dealing with adverse weather conditions, Hamilton’s adaptability and strategic brilliance have been integral to his numerous triumphs.
Sebastian Vettel, the second most accomplished driver at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), secured a victory with Red Bull in 2013. As a three-time Formula 1 champion, he has displayed consistent excellence at COTA, finishing within the top 10 in eight out of nine races. The only exception was in 2019 when he had to retire due to suspension failure. Vettel’s impressive record at this Texan venue includes having the most “fastest laps,” a total of five, and earning two pole positions, further highlighting his strong performance at COTA.
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