F1 heads Stateside for its return from a rare autumn break as the circus hits Austin, Texas for the 2024 US Grand Prix.
With just 52 points separating Max Verstappen and Lando Norris heading into the final six races, the trip to Austin is set to be an intriguing clash given that not only is it a sprint weekend but first race after a rare month off at this stage of season.
Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri meanwhile are scrapping over third in the drivers’ standings, whilst McLaren head Red Bull and Ferrari in a three-way constructors’ fight.
Lower down the grid, RB have made a driver change with Daniel Ricciardo relieved of his duties, and Liam Lawson promoted into his race seat as the team evaluate their driver options for 2025.
Now, here is a full preview of everything that you need to know ahead of 2024 US Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Circuit of the Americas
Laps: 56
Race Distance: 308.405km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 18 October | Practice | 6:30pm |
| Friday 18 October | Sprint Shootout | 10:30pm |
| Saturday 19 October | Sprint | 7:00pm |
| Saturday 19 October | Qualifying | 11:00pm |
| Sunday 20 October | Race | 8:00pm |
Five Key Pointers
- Having uncharacteristically had a month off at this stage of the season, teams could bring some upgrades.
- With a loss of pace since the summer break, Mercedes will hope to bounce back in Texas if can sort out their performance and heat issues.
- A clean start with brakes up to temperature will be key for those who find themselves in midfield heading into the tight opening uphill corner in the race.
- Braking will be key at Turn 11 because any lock-ups could leave drivers out wide and vulnerable down the back straight towards Turn 12, where gusty wind could cause rear stability issues.
- Two-stop strategies have been common in recent visits to Texas so expect two-stop strategies to once again be the case, with some opting for soft tyres in Sprint to save hard and mediums for GP.
Last Time Out
Verstappen dominated both the sprint and Grand Prix on F1’s visit to Austin in 2023, of which latter marked his 50th overall F1 victory, albeit from sixth on the grid as he battled his way to victory with a decisive overtake on Norris on Lap 28.