2024 United States Grand Prix preview: what you need to know

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McLaren seems to have locked in the Constructors’ Championship title, but the top 3 is not yet decided. There’s a 52-point gap between Verstappen and Norris, with momentum favoring Lando. Verstappen will remain champion if he finishes P2 in every race. The pressure is at its peak.

There are 6 races left: 2 triple headers, 3 sprint races. We’re in a situation where anything can happen. Austin marks the start of the penultimate stretch of the season, and with this weekend’s sprint race, surprises could still be in store. Let’s dive into the 5 things you need to know to enjoy the 2024 United States Grand Prix.

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Piastri to Red Bull in 2025?

There’s talk that he could join Red Bull to replace Perez next year. This rumor is wild. Since Thursday, a strong buzz has been circulating in the paddock, suggesting Piastri isn’t happy with how he’s being treated at McLaren, particularly playing a supporting role to Norris. He’s said to be willing to leave McLaren to take Perez’s seat, as Perez has been lacking pace. Marko has pointed out the shortcomings of the Mexican driver and hinted that some top team drivers might have exit clauses in their contracts. Even though I think the situation is largely exaggerated, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and let’s not forget Piastri’s agent is Mark Webber, a former driver with strong ties to Red Bull Racing. Piastri has been beaten over the season, so it’s normal that he’s helping Norris in his bid for the drivers’ championship. Piastri himself had stated that he was ready to help Lando in this final stretch of the Formula 1 season. This rumor might be coming from his camp, trying to put pressure on McLaren.

Haas signs a partnership with Toyota:

Toyota has signed a multi-year deal with Haas F1 Team. It starts this weekend with Toyota GR branding on the F1 car and on the suits. This is significant because it’s the first time in 5 years that the Japanese automaker returns to Formula 1. While it’s not an additional manufacturer on the grid, it’s still a major name in the auto and motorsport world. This is important for Haas as Toyota will provide access to their Cologne facility. The partnership will include design and technical services. In exchange, Toyota will benefit from the visibility that Formula 1 offers. This is the first time Haas has evolved its structure, but it will remain a customer of Scuderia Ferrari for important parts, including the engine. Finally, this partnership aims to improve cost efficiency.

Haas F1 Team partnerships
Haas F1 Team partnerships

Daniel Ricciardo retires

The Australian driver has been ejected from his seat. He’s still a great driver whom I personally liked a lot, and we can thank him. He left a mark in the paddock with his smile, flair on track, and 8 victories. Unfortunately, his time had already come when he left F1 the first time, and his return was somewhat in vain. In Formula 1, you have to be good. There’s no room for average drivers, and you must step aside. I think the way Ricciardo departed wasn’t great, especially for someone who did so much for Red Bull. Liam Lawson will take his place, having already raced at the end of last season, with one clear objective: to beat Tsunoda.

Renault ends its F1 engine program

We’ve discussed it a lot on this blog, Renault is ending its F1 engine development program. The French automaker had a goal with Alpine F1 Team: cut costs as much as possible and put everything in place to chase success, even if it meant letting go of their F1 past and their development center in Virx-Chatillon. A short-term sale isn’t necessarily planned, and the Alpine F1 car is expected to run with a Mercedes engine in 2026. I find it unfortunate that Alpine F1 Team will become a customer team, especially when they had everything needed to succeed: chassis, engine, and all the key parts of an F1 car. Could this be a sign that Renault is planning to divest from the team in the medium/long term? By the way, for the USGP, they will bring an orange livery. Maybe a way to get closer to McLaren?

BWT Alpine F1 Team livery 2024 US GP
BWT Alpine F1 Team livery 2024 US GP

Under pressure for the 2024 USGP

First, Red Bull. They’ve lost P1 in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren, and now the threat comes from behind: Ferrari. Verstappen hasn’t won since the Spanish GP. However, things have improved since Baku, and they’re bringing a significant upgrade this weekend. He must maintain his consistency, even if he doesn’t win. As for Perez, I find it hard to believe in a resurgence at the end of this season. On the Mercedes side, it’s been a while since they’ve shone. They’ve been damage-controlling for months, but there are still disappointments regarding the performance of their F1 car, especially with tire wear. Toto Wolff has said they used the long break to work on a major upgrade that will be introduced at the United States Grand Prix. This upgrade will be the last of the season. Ferrari is in a similar situation but less severe. Scuderia Ferrari disappointed at the Singapore GP and needs to bounce back. They too are bringing a new and final upgrade package. Let’s not forget that Leclerc was on pole last year in Austin.

Red Bull Racing confirms the existence of a front bib adjustment device on the RB20

In any case, the 2024 United States Grand Prix is on Sunday, October 20, and we’ll know more after this weekend.

Featured image: Red Bull Content Pool

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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