F1 returns stateside after a year off for the start of THE RUN-IN - six races in seveneight weeks to decide the destiny of this year's championship.
The opening gambit of the final exchange begins at a sold-out, scorching CoTA. Anticipation ablaze after last year's cancellation.
The Mercedes momentum is building, but beware of a Red Bull riposte ... and can Ferrari or McLaren upset the apple cart at the front?
Things are starting to get serious, it's Round 17 of the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship.
The Circuit
A bumpy, brash track that has forged its way into the hearts of American fans - a staple of the calendar that usually provides good races. Since 2012, six of the eight races have featured an overtake or battle for the win.
Reportedly bumpier than ever, and likely even more abrasive than the 2019 two-stop. A welcome challenge for the teams to nail their setup through the sweeps and straights.
The Outlook for America
The battle at the front couldn't be closer. Verstappen's points lead is juxtaposed by the assumption that Red Bull's early-season advantage might just be slipping away. Despite Hamilton's success at this track, Verstappen too has had some stellar drives - 2015, 2017 and 2018 in particular. Will Newey's return from injury help Red Bull rediscover their setup sweet spot, aided by CoTA's relative lack of power sensitivity compared to Turkey, Sochi and Monza, or will the Mercedes juggernaut find another gear when they need it most? If this was a soccer match, it would be a six-pointer. A crucial, crucial weekend.
Second billed is the season-long fight between the old rivals for the bronze medal in the constructors. Ferrari's staggered PU upgrade in Sochi and Istanbul was a real shot in the arm, and despite their points deficit, they must be considered favourites. McLaren's Monza miracle has been quickly dashed after anguish in Russia and an anonymous showing in Turkey. The layout again may seem to favour the Red cars, but back in 2019 McLaren managed to qualify within a second of pole, so it's possible the car's DNA is well suited to this circuit. A big spotlight on the driver pairings to see who can maximise their machinery.
Slightly lower down in pecking order is the feud for fifth in the WCC. Alpine has scored points in 15 out of 16 rounds so far, fuelled by a resurgent, metronomic Alonso. Gasly's one-man showing at Alpha Tauri hasn't been enough, and will require support from Tsunoda if they are to fulfil Franz Tost's pre-season wish.
Elsewhere ...
Aston Martin's drab 2021 rolls on, with hopes of gatecrashing the battle above quickly fading. Curiously, Stroll is aiming to beat Vettel for a fifth Sunday in a row.
Williams points-scoring spurt came to a juddering halt in Turkey, but with no threat from Alfa Romeo, it's another opportunity to upset the midfield. A new track for Latifi and perhaps some rust for Russell after skipping 2020.
All eyes on Alfa as the rumours continue to swirl regarding the Andretti buyout. Kimi returns to the scene of his final F1 victory as his swansong moves ever closer.
Finally, at Haas, a race at home to lift the spirits as their pointless season continues. A rare Q2 appearance last time out may give cause for optimism. Don't mention the livery ...
Weather, Tyres
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Fri - Dry, sunny, 30c
Sat - Dry, sunny, 29c
Sun - Dry, sunny, 31c
As far as I can remember, the warmest race at CoTA. An extra level of intrigue for reliability, tyres and strategy.
With the expected temperatures and seemingly exponential increase in track abrasiveness every year (remember the negative deg in 2012?), expect a very tough weekend for tyres. A guaranteed two-stop? Whisper it quietly, a three-stop? Another Canada 2010? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.
Tyre pressures: 21.5 psi (front) | 19.0 psi (rear)
Fronts -0.5 psi versus 2019, rears the same.
Schedule
Oh, how the tables have turned for us humble Europeans ... and for anyone east of Moscow, good luck 
PDT MDT CDT* EDT -- BST CEST
FP1 0930 1030 1130 1230 -- 1730 1830
FP2 1300 1400 1500 1600 -- 2100 2200
FP3 1100 1200 1300 1400 -- 1900 2000
Q 1400 1500 1600 1700 -- 2200 2300
R 1200 1300 1400 1500 -- 2000 2100
*Local
Time zone conversion here.
Formula 4 and W Series supporting. Full schedule.
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Drivers, start your engines 
Edited by TomNokoe, 21 October 2021 - 08:47.
