The US Grand Prix will take place at Circuit of the Americas – who has been the fastest (lap) at this venue?
The US Grand Prix, initially known as the American Grand Prize, has a somewhat irregular history since its establishment in 1908. Over time, it became a fixture in the Formula One World Championship. Up to 2022, this esteemed competition has been held 51 times at 10 different locations. Since 2012, it has found a stable venue at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, except for 2020 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s take a look which driver holds the fastest lap record in the illustrious history of this Grand Prix.
The record for the fastest lap at the US Grand Prix was set by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in 2019. The race was the 19th round of the 2019 Formula One World Championship and marked the 49th running of the United States Grand Prix, the 41st time that the race was run as a World Championship event since the inaugural 1950 season, and the 8th time that a World Championship round was held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Leclerc’s achievement in setting the fastest lap at the US Grand Prix was a testament to his exceptional talent and speed as a driver. He had shown his potential throughout the season and was considered one of the rising stars in Formula 1. His ability to extract maximum performance from the Ferrari car was evident on that day, as he consistently pushed the limits of his machine.
The lap that secured Leclerc’s fastest time (Lap 44) was a display of precision and control. It highlighted not only his raw speed but also his ability to manage tire degradation and handle pressure from competitors. His lap time not only gave him personal satisfaction but also added to Ferrari’s strong presence in Formula 1 that year, reinforcing their reputation as one of the sport’s iconic teams.
Does Circuit of the Americas encourage faster timings?
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) stands out as one of the modern marvels in the world of motorsport. The track layout has been meticulously designed to encourage faster lap times and create an electrifying racing experience. At COTA, drivers encounter a unique combination of features that contribute to the pursuit of speed. One of the most significant elements is the long straights that allow cars to reach incredibly high speeds.
The lengthy back straight, punctuated by a challenging hairpin turn at the end, provides an excellent opportunity for overtaking and maximizing acceleration. These straights are where the raw power of Formula 1 cars or other high-performance racing vehicles is put to the test. They encourage drivers to unleash the full potential of their machines, which can lead to faster lap times. In addition to the straights, the circuit also features a series of technically demanding corners and elevation changes
The famous “Esses” section, a sequence of rapid left-right-left turns, demands precision and finesse. Drivers need to navigate these corners smoothly to maintain speed and momentum, and this is where exceptional driving skill comes into play. The uphill climb leading to Turn 1 and the thrilling downhill descent from Turn 9 to Turn 11 add further challenges and excitement. These sections favor those who can balance speed and control, resulting in faster lap times for the most skilled racers.
Moreover, the wide track layout at COTA provides room for strategic racing. Drivers can explore various lines and tactics to gain an advantage over their competitors, especially during overtaking maneuvers. The well-thought-out pit lane design also enables efficient pit stops, further influencing race strategies and lap times. With its blend of straights, technical sections, elevation changes, and wide-open spaces for strategic racing, COTA provides the perfect stage for motorsport enthusiasts to witness faster lap times, as long as all the variables align. It is a track where drivers and teams can truly push the limits of speed and skill in pursuit of victory.
More Formula One News
- Lewis Hamilton doesn’t support IOC’s decision on Black Lives Matter gear during Olympics
- Max Verstappen left surprised as he reaches 100 race milestone with Red Bull
- Damon Hill left in awe after Lewis Hamilton racks up 100 poles in F1 ahead of 2021 Spanish GP
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates
