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🏎️ US GP Recap
Jordan Williams
October 22, 2024
In this week’s email:
US Grand Prix Recap 🇺🇸
McLaren Demands Red Bull Investigation 🚨
Pole Positions per Driver đź“Š
F1 to Eliminate Fastest Lap Bonus Point đźš«
US Grand Prix Recap 🇺🇸
A thrilling US Grand Prix saw Ferrari dominate with a one-two finish as Charles Leclerc clinched victory. Followed closely by Carlos Sainz in second place. Lando Norris lost a crucial third place to title rival Max Versatappen after being penalized for a late overtake on lap 52.
Race Overview:
The race kicked off with a tightly contested start, where Norris, starting from pole, lost the lead to Verstappen and Leclerc at Turn 1.
A safety car was deployed following Lewis Hamilton's early exit after getting stuck in the gravel.
Despite early issues reported by Red Bull regarding Verstappen's car, he managed to finish third.
Other notable performances included Nico HĂĽlkenberg (Haas) in eighth, Liam Lawson (Red Bull) in ninth, and Franco Colapinto (Williams) in tenth, each scoring valuable points.
Championship Implications:
Verstappen extends his lead in the drivers' championship, now 57 points ahead of Norris.
In the constructors' championship, Ferrari narrows the gap to Red Bull, now just eight points apart.
Race Results (Top-10):
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
George Russell (Mercedes)
Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
Niko Hulkenberg (Haas)
Liam Lawson (RB)
Franco Colapinto (Williams)
Pole Positions per Driver đź“Š
Below you can see that 12 out of the 20 drivers in the 2024 F1 lineup have achieved pole position at some point in their careers. Lewis Hamilton leads the all-time record (104) for the most poles. Holding nearly as many as the other 11 drivers combined.
McLaren Calls for Investigation into Red Bull's Compliance 🚨
McLaren Formula One boss Zak Brown is urging the FIA to conduct a “very thorough investigation” to determine if Red Bull has breached parc fermé rules in 2024. He warned of “massive consequences” if any violations are found.
Key Issues:
Red Bull's front bib adjustment device, which alters ride height, is under scrutiny following discussions with the FIA.
The system was highlighted on the FIA’s open-source parts platform, raising concerns about potential adjustments between qualifying and the race—this would violate parc fermé regulations.
The FIA will implement additional checks. Including seals on the front bib, to ensure compliance. Red Bull stated no evidence of rule violations has been observed.
Brown's Concerns:
He questioned why Red Bull's system allows access from inside the car when McLaren’s does not. Suggesting it’s unlike other teams' devices.
Brown emphasized that any adjustment after parc fermé conditions would constitute a serious breach of rules.
Next Steps:
Brown reiterated the importance of the FIA clarifying the situation and ensuring transparency among teams. He expressed confidence in the FIA's ability to manage the issue while stressing the need to understand any historical misuse of the adjustment system.
As McLaren competes closely with Red Bull for the constructors' championship, the scrutiny adds tension to the title fight
F1 to Eliminate Fastest Lap Bonus Point Starting in 2025 đźš«
Starting next season, Formula One will eliminate the bonus point awarded for the fastest lap in a grand prix. This decision was announced by the FIA on Thursday, ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin.
What’s Changing?
Since 2019, drivers have earned an extra point for setting the fastest lap—provided they finish in the top 10. This point has played a crucial role. Especially in lengthy seasons like the upcoming 24-race schedule for 2024.
Why the Change?
The FIA's World Motor Sport Council approved these adjustments during a recent meeting in Paris and via video conference. The aim is to streamline the competition and keep the focus on overall race performance.