2022 Formula One United States Grand Prix

American tests McLaren in anticipation of future F1 race seat ...

McLaren test driver plays with one of Zak's toys ...

Max is going to win as well. The man is unstoppable.

I would be more interested if F1 would return to Watkins Glen or Sebring, or use some of our classic road courses - Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Laguna Seca, Road America. But at least they're not at that Mickey Mouse IMS circuit.

We've officially entered the "pointless races left on the calendar" phase of the season...

Kingkoenig said:

We've officially entered the "pointless races left on the calendar" phase of the season...

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As long as the races are exciting and we get some surprises, I wouldn't care, no matter if my fav driver in the championship run winning or losing it by now. At least it's not just waiting for the inevitable anymore

Pato is in love, it's awesome he keeps looking back at it. Who could blame him, what an honor to drive Senna's car.

THK84 said:

As long as the races are exciting and we get some surprises, I wouldn't care, no matter if my fav driver in the championship run winning or losing it by now. At least it's not just waiting for the inevitable anymore

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Oh, I will watch no matter what. But I can't shake off the feeling that the remaining races don't matter that much... Abu Dhabi especially, that one is often a snoozefest.

Kingkoenig said:

Oh, I will watch no matter what. But I can't shake off the feeling that the remaining races don't matter that much... Abu Dhabi especially, that one is often a snoozefest.

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They don't, for the WDC & the constructors top three. Unless Merc pulls one out the bag and beats Ferrari.

But there's still Alpine vs McL at least. Can Vettel leave on a high? How will Alonso troll? Can DR leave on some sort of high or will it be a deflation? Can Perez end the season on a high or will he be again performing equal or worse then MV previous teammates on lap delta, like some stints during this season. And can he win Mexico? Can Russel beat Hamilton, who's no longer experimenting and back on form? Etc, etc.

Yes, it's not as exciting as last years MV vs LH or that one LH vs NR season, WDC excitement. But hey, to each his own on what you are able or willing to take out of it. I'm not disputing anything you said, it can even become a total snoozefest regardless! Just my perspective

love the track, enthusiastic American crowd... too bad it doesn't have a sprint race weekend this track is made for it

The race won't be boring because Haas will cash their 'Cause another late race Caution." check to tide them over til the new sponsor comes on board.

THK84 said:

They don't, for the WDC & the constructors top three. Unless Merc pulls one out the bag and beats Ferrari.

But there's still Alpine vs McL at least. Can Vettel leave on a high? How will Alonso troll? Can DR leave on some sort of high or will it be a deflation? Can Perez end the season on a high or will he be again performing equal or worse then MV previous teammates on lap delta, like some stints during this season. And can he win Mexico? Can Russel beat Hamilton, who's no longer experimenting and back on form? Etc, etc.

Yes, it's not as exciting as last years MV vs LH or that one LH vs NR season, WDC excitement. But hey, to each his own on what you are able or willing to take out of it. I'm not disputing anything you said, it can even become a total snoozefest regardless! Just my perspective

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OK! I'm sold! I will watch for sure. Great job!

iRacing is currently running Mercedes W12 series at COTA and fastest guy did 1:31. This seems too fast in comparison to real laptimes. It’s weird since the W12 was supposed to be very realistic.

avenger82 said:

iRacing is currently running Mercedes W12 series at COTA and fastest guy did 1:31. This seems to fast in comparison to real laptimes. It’s weird since the W12 was supposed to be very realistic.

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This has long been an issue in racing sims. In some cases the sim track is slightly shorter than the real track, but in most cases it is simply that the sim driver is sitting at home at his/her computer and the worst that can happen is you destroy the car, reset, and get back on the track; whereas in RL your butt is on the line, one mistake and they sweep up the pieces of you along with the car. I know I push the car much harder and take more chances in a sim race than I ever would have considered in RL.

avenger82 said:

iRacing is currently running Mercedes W12 series at COTA and fastest guy did 1:31. This seems to fast in comparison to real laptimes. It’s weird since the W12 was supposed to be very realistic.

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Pole was a 32.9, so not that far off in my opinion.

jgf said:

This has long been an issue in racing sims. In some cases the sim track is slightly shorter than the real track, but in most cases it is simply that the sim driver is sitting at home at his/her computer and the worst that can happen is you destroy the car, reset, and get back on the track; whereas in RL your butt is on the line, one mistake and they sweep up the pieces of you along with the car. I know I push the car much harder and take more chances in a sim race than I ever would have considered in RL.

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It may be true, but on the other hand IRL drivers have butt feel so it’s easier to race at the limit and make corrections when car oversteers etc.

That iRacing car is pure fantasy. Don't believe the youtubers and the shills, the car has been too fast and too grippy since day 1...

avenger82 said:

iRacing is currently running Mercedes W12 series at COTA and fastest guy did 1:31. This seems too fast in comparison to real laptimes. It’s weird since the W12 was supposed to be very realistic.

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All depends on the weather/track conditions. Doubtful that the real world conditions exactly match the sim conditions so these comparisons have little value.

Also remind me, when did Lewis get the new engine that outperformed the old engine AND outperformed all previous engine replacements. Was that at COTA or after this event?

davehenrie said:

The race won't be boring because Haas will cash their 'Cause another late race Caution." check to tide them over til the new sponsor comes on board.

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Speaking of Haas, Giovinazzi reminded everyone during FP1 why he’s no longer in F1…

Further outings for Logan Sargeant suggest the American is closing on the second Williams seat in 2023, as Grove outfit supports American in his quest for Super Licence.

Following his free practice session debut on Friday, the Williams Academy and double F2 race winner will participate in two further FP1 sessions at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.

Sargeant will also take part in the Young Driver Test at Yas Marina Circuit following the conclusion of his F2 season and is completing a number of private testing days and extensive simulator work.

The American born driver, currently third in the F2 championship, will take over Alex Albon's FW44 for the session at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday 28 October and Nicholas Latifi's car at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday 18 November. The outings will continue to see him aid the team's race preparations and support his continuous development work as an academy driver.

"I'd like to start by saying thank you again to Williams and Dorilton Motor Sports for giving me the opportunity to drive on home turf yesterday here at COTA," said Sargeant. "It was one of the most enjoyable moments of my career so far.

"I'm very grateful to be given further time in the FW44 at Mexico and Abu Dhabi. My aim is to make the most of every minute in the car and with the team to build on the progress I've made in Austin and throughout my time on the simulator at Grove.

"Of course, my focus is on finishing my Formula 2 season in Abu Dhabi in the best position possible, and I'm sure my time in the FW44 will keep me sharp and ready for the F2 finale."

"Logan showed a high level of understanding during his FP1 debut," added Sven Smeets, the Grove outfit's Sporting Director, "in Austin and provided useful feedback to help in the team's preparations for the rest of the weekend.

"We are providing Logan further opportunities in Mexico and Abu Dhabi to integrate himself with the team trackside in both free practice sessions and the Young Driver Test as we work hard to support Logan in his efforts towards earning the Super Licence.

"It's great that as a team we can provide invaluable time for Logan to get behind the wheel of the FW44 to continue his development as a Williams Academy Driver and harness his talents. We're looking forward to seeing how Logan progresses this season and finishes out his last race of the season in Formula 2."

Speaking at the FIA press conference, team boss, Jost Capito subsequently confirmed that, subject to getting his super licence, Sargeant will partner Alex Albon next season.

"We feel he's ready to race," said the German. "Under the condition that he has enough superlicence points, he will be our second driver next year."