Who's the favourite to take victory in the United States?


October 19, 2021

by Will Knight 

The Circuit of the Americas returns to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2019 this weekend, with the track set to hold its ninth Grand Prix. But who looks to be the favourite for the victory at the 2021 United States Grand Prix? 

The US Grand Prix is back on the calendar for 2021, bringing back the fan-favourite Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The track will return for the first time since 2019 after teams were unable to go to the Americas during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

With 20 corners and two DRS straights spread over 5.513km; the Circuit of the Americas, known as COTA, will host its ninth race after making its debut on the calendar in 2012.

Last won by Valtteri Bottas in 2019, the track has become a Mercedes stronghold throughout the Hybrid era with the German manufacturer taking victory in all races but one since the beginning of the current regulations in 2014. 

The inaugural race was won by Lewis Hamilton, his final win with McLaren after six years at the British outfit before Sebastian Vettel took Red Bull Racing's only win in the United States in 2013. 

From 2014 to 2017, Hamilton dominated the circuit, winning the 2015 championship-decider after fighting with teammate Nico Rosberg throughout the race.

In the cool-down room post-race, fans were treated to some off-track tensions as Hamilton threw Rosberg's Pirelli-branded cap to his teammate before Rosberg pitched the cap back at the then-three-time world champion. 

2018 would see Kimi Raikkonen's final victory with Ferrari before fellow-Finn Bottas stormed to the top spot in 2019 whilst Hamilton snatched the 2019 title.

So, both the history at the circuit and the team's performance over the 2021 title fight suggest that Mercedes hold the advantage heading into the Lone Star State. 

The track suits the W12 with high-speed sweeping corners and long straights making up the majority of Austin's most famous circuit. The Circuit of the Americas is similar to F1's previous destination, Istanbul Park, where the Silver Arrows proved to be the team to beat. 

Meanwhile Max Verstappen, who currently leads the Drivers Championship, will be approaching the race with damage limitation in mind before Mexico and Brazil; two races that are expected to suit Red Bull. 

The Dutchman's title rival Hamilton also has his goal; take the race victory and subsequently the championship lead. With the incoming tracks, this may be Mercedes' final chance to hold the outright pace over their Austrian opponents.

The final three races in the Middle East are unknown territory, with two new tracks for Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia and Qatar before the season ends in an altered Yas Marina Circuit at Abu Dhabi. 

Ultimately, it appears to be advantage-Hamilton as we head to the United States. However, with the unpredictable nature of 2021, we may have some surprises in store as we enter the final stages of the season. 

Image credit: Formula 1

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