USGP 2024: what the sprint race and qualifying tell us

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The 2024 United States Grand Prix is just a few hours away, and all eyes are on the front row.

While Verstappen remains the favorite to win the 2024 USGP, despite Norris taking pole position, yesterday’s qualifying and sprint race have unveiled potential surprises. Ferrari and McLaren seem to be performing at an equal level, ready to shake up Red Bull’s plans.

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Norris on Pole, Verstappen on the hunt

During yesterday’s qualifying, Max Verstappen couldn’t secure pole position, partly due to George Russell’s crash in Q3. This allowed McLaren’s Lando Norris to put in an extraordinary lap and claim pole position. Although pleased with his achievement, Norris admitted that Verstappen could have improved his time without the yellow flag interruption and if he hadn’t botched his first run. Indeed, in one of the last corners, the Dutchman almost lost control of his F1 car, costing him the 0.2 seconds advantage he had built up entering sector three. Carlos Sainz from Scuderia Ferrari was also well-positioned before the session was halted. The Spanish driver showed strong pace with times close to both Norris and Verstappen, suggesting that Ferrari might be in contention this afternoon.

Scuderia Ferrari close behind

Scuderia Ferrari impressed during the sprint race with a fighting Carlos Sainz, finishing second after overtaking Norris on the last lap. Leclerc, meanwhile, battled for fourth place, showing that Ferrari has solid race pace. The two Ferrari drivers certainly gave us some scares at times but treated us to thrilling on-track battles for nearly half of the sprint race. Thank you, guys! The sprint race data shows that Ferrari can keep up with the pace set by Red Bull Racing, which is great news for the fans. If Ferrari can avoid strategic mistakes and manage tire degradation well, they could be a serious threat to Verstappen. Additionally, with high temperatures expected for the race, tire management will be crucial, especially since the Circuit of the Americas is tough on tires. Ferrari will need to watch out for tire overheating, a problem that has often plagued the team this season, although there are clear improvements compared to previous years.

Circuit of the Americas - Image by Red Bull
Circuit of the Americas – Image by Red Bull

Strategy and tire management: how to win the USGP?

From what we’ve seen, the United States Grand Prix could be decided by tire management. Pirelli is predicting a two-stop race for most teams, using medium and hard tires. Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have opted for a high downforce setup, a choice that should help with better tire management in the Austin heat. McLaren, on the other hand, adjusted Norris’s car setup after the sprint race to better handle tire degradation. If they can maintain good race pace and avoid rapid tire wear, Norris might be able to challenge Verstappen. Remember, the two drivers are now just 54 points apart in the Formula 1 Championship standings, putting immense pressure on McLaren.

Enjoy the 2024 United States Grand Prix, everyone!

A truly unexpected collaboration between F1 and a toy manufacturer

This article explores the intense build-up to the 2024 F1 Pirelli US Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen as the favorite, but Ferrari and McLaren showing strength after yesterday’s qualifying and sprint race. The battle will likely come down to tire management and race strategy.

Featured image: Alpine Newsletter

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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