Hamilton, and Formula 1, Win in Austin at US Grand Prix
Five years after Formula 1 cars last appeared in the U.S., Lewis Hamilton once again put on his victory cap, this time in Austin, TX with a win that cemented the Grand Prix’s return to America. “I won the last United States Grand Prix, in 2007, so, to come back and win it again – in front of such a great crowd – feels very special indeed,” said Hamilton. “There are a couple of Grands Prix that are somehow out on their own: there’s Monaco, Silverstone, Montreal, Spa and Monza. Now you can this circuit to that list – it’s already one of the best racetracks in the world, maybe even right up there in the top three.”
Austin’s Circuit of the Americas is the first purpose built F1 track in the US, and the GP was the inaugural race, drawing in more than 117,000 fans to the race. After Indianapolis Motor Speedway lost the contract for the race, Austin bid to build a track. Finishing just in time, the Hermann Tilke-designed circuit was completed in September after unexpected financial issues delayed its construction causing some concern. However, by Sunday, the city of Austin was pumped for raceday. The enthusiasm of the young city, best known for music festivals, art, and BBQ, elevated the experience for fans and drivers. Race promoters hope that this will reflect a renewed interest in F1 racing in America, where the sport has always struggled to find a solid fanbase. The Circuit of the Americas should help.
The track is a thrilling combination of elevation changes and fast curves, including the one at Turn 12 where Hamilton’s McLaren Mercedes beat out polewinner Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull on lap 42 to pull ahead for his eventual victory. McLaren’s fourth win of the season also puts him in fourth position going into the next race. Vettel still retains a 13-point lead overall, heading to Brazil ahead of US GP third place finisher Fernando Alonso in his Ferarri. Red Bull once again takes the Constructors’ Championship over Ferrari despite Vettel’s second place and teammate Mark Webber’s alternator failure and subsequent DNF. This makes the third year in a row.
Felipe Massa crossed the line in 4th despite a five-place penalty for his gearbox which started him in 11th place, while McLaren’s Jenson Button finished 5th as a result of a series of pit stops. The track itself served the both the drivers and the audience, delivering an exciting, pulse-pounding race that will linger in the minds of U.S. race fans eager to draw new eyes to F1.