YOUR USGP PREDICTION AND PREVIEW:

After a frisky and fun Sprint Race, Formula 1 is set to face off in Austin. If the Sprint is an indication of the Featured Race, we are in for a 4-way battle.

SPRINT RECAP

In the Sprint, Verstappen looked strong, with the Red Bull driver continuing his domination over the short weekends. There is something to be said about Max’s ability to come off only one practice session, straight to dominating Spring Qualifying Sessions. Like a group of golfers going straight to the first tee and driving it down the fairway, the Dutch driver needs little information, set-up, and practice lap to show his skills.

During the race, Norris was able to kick his habit of bad starts which has become a favorite narrative of critics, to overtake both Russell and Leclerc in the first 3 turns. However, it was the clean air that proved king as Norris was unable to rundown Max, leading to his wire to wire P1.

The Ferrari duo looked very strong. Sainz and his teammate put on a majority of the entertainment as they battled it out over the 16 laps. The Spanish driver, with not much to lose, overtook Leclerc on a long spout after a mistake. The Ferrari’s continued to look super strong as they both took off down the road to put pressure on Norris in P2.

With no pit stops, McLaren tires seemed to drop off. After a lock up on the last lap, Sainz was able to overtake Norris for P2, but the British Title hopeful was able to stave off Leclerc to hold on the P3.

PREDICTION:

Norris turned around his luck by putting his McLaren on pole, following a Russell double yellow. Max looked as if he was well on his way to taking pole until the yellows cut his lap short, settling for a front row start. The Ferrari duo occupying the second row.

Historically, the second position is the superior position at the Circuit of America’s. After a great start yesterday and Norris; woes at the starting line, I like Max to take the lead and run with it. Following a good performance yesterday, the Ferrari’s look superior to the McLaren as well. With Ferrari being in the best position, with both drivers up front, I like Ferrari to put the most pressure on the front.

After a long chase after Max in P1, I see Leclerc hunting him down taking P1. Here is my prediction:

1 – Leclerc

2 – Verstappen

3 – Sainz

4 – Norris

5 – Piastri

6 – Russell

7 – Perez

8 – Tsunoda

9 – Magnussen

10 – Gasly