966 replies to this topic

[Primo]

F1 Grand Prix at COTA: High-Octane Thrills Await in Austin

The Formula 1 circus is rolling into Austin, Texas, and racing enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying weekend of high-speed action. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is set to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and fans are in for a treat as the world's top drivers compete on one of the most challenging and picturesque tracks in the F1 calendar.

 

The Circuit: A Blend of Challenges and Beauty

COTA, often dubbed the "Playground of the Americas," is a circuit that combines the best of what Formula 1 has to offer. It features a mix of high-speed straights, technical sections, and dramatic elevation changes. Nestled in the Texan hills, this circuit offers stunning views and an exhilarating racing experience for both drivers and spectators.

 

The iconic Turn 1, known as the "The Hairpin," is a focal point of the circuit. Drivers approach it at high speeds before navigating a sharp left turn, making for spectacular overtaking opportunities. The esses that follow demand precision and skill, as drivers weave through a series of rapid turns. And, of course, the steep climb up to Turn 1 provides an excellent vantage point for fans to witness the drama unfold.

 

 

 

The Lone American on the Grid
While American motorsport fans have witnessed a resurgence of interest in Formula 1 this year, with the presence of Haas F1 Team on the grid, Logan Sargent stands as the sole American driver competing in the series. Sargent's journey to the top echelon of motorsport has been remarkable, and he represents the hopes and dreams of American racing enthusiasts

 

Off-Track Entertainment
The Formula 1 experience at COTA isn't limited to just on-track action. The circuit is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and off-track entertainment. The Fan Fest in downtown Austin will come alive with live music, food, and a carnival-like atmosphere, creating a festival vibe that keeps fans entertained throughout the weekend.

 

Summer Returns to Texas
The radar makes for good reading on all three days, with hot weather and clear skies predicted throughout the weekend. But for a much more detailed forecast scroll down.
 

Conclusion

The F1 Grand Prix at COTA promises to be a spectacle of speed, skill, and strategy. With the unique challenges of the circuit, fans are in for a weekend of unforgettable racing action. As the world's best drivers prepare to do battle on the asphalt of Austin, Texas, the eyes of motorsport enthusiasts everywhere will be fixed firmly on COTA.

 

So, gear up, mark and get ready for a weekend of heart-pounding excitement as Formula 1 takes center stage at the Circuit of the Americas!

 

[Risil]

Primo did you have help from a little magic box to write this?

[jjcale]

I am adding to the build up thread wiki ....

 

The (F1) schedule is as follows:

 

Practice 1            - 20 Oct (Friday)     - 18:30 - 19:30 BST    (12:30 - 13:30 local time)

Qualifying            - 20 Oct (Friday)     - 22:00 - 23:00 BST    (16:00 - 17:00 local time)

Sprint Shoot out  - 21 Oct (Saturday) - 18:30 - 19:14 BST    (12:30 - 13:14 local time)

Sprint                  - 21 Oct (Saturday) - 23:00 - 00:00 BST    (17:00 - 18:00 local time)

Race                   - 22 Oct (Sunday)   - 20:00 BST                 (14:00 local time)

 

 

Weather forecast:

 

According to Formula1.com - 2023 United States Grand Prix weekend weather forecast

Conditions: Extremely hot day with temperatures largely above normal and approaching record highs. FP1: 32°C // Q: 35°C. Conditions: A sunny day with a very hot feeling, with no wind anticipated throughout the day. SS: 32°C // SPRINT: 34°C

 

 

Tyres 

 

According to Motorsport.com - Pirelli has nominated C2 (hard), C3 (medium) and C4 (soft) tyres from its range to Austin.

 

I cant seem to find the choices of the teams/drivers - if anyone wants to put those into a reply, that would be great.

[Primo]

Primo did you have help from a little magic box to write this?

Haha, what gave you that idea?   

I was just about to write about that in a separate post in which I wanted to include stuff that my outsourced knowledge had suggested, like:

 

 

Championship Battles Heating Up

As the F1 season enters its critical phase, the race at COTA could have significant implications for the World Drivers' Championship and the Constructors' Championship. The rivalry between the teams and drivers is at its peak, with each point becoming increasingly valuable.

And 
 

 

American Hopes Rest on Homegrown Talent

The American fans have more reasons to cheer this year as they witness a resurgence of American talent in Formula 1. Haas F1 Team fields an all-American driver lineup with Romain Grosjean's departure, welcoming Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin. Additionally, Alexander Rossi, an American driver with experience in F1, remains a crowd favorite.

 

The home crowd will be rooting for these drivers as they compete on home soil, aiming to bring glory to the Stars and Stripes.

[Burtros]

McLaren fan checking in.

Are we the only ones still excited for races at the moment?

Sprint weekend too with highly favourable viewing time in Europe. Bring it on.

[milestone 11]

Good on ya Primo!

[SophieB]

Thanks, Primo!

 

Will there be novelty hats again, I wonder.

 

 

I hope so although in all honesty I imagine I’ll have gone to bed long before the race finishes, I get up early. 
 

 

hats hats hats

 

[paulb]

I was gonna ask, what PR firm wrote the OP?

[jonpollak]

Snatching victory out of the jaws of Da Feet

Primo to the rescue !!!

 

Nice work mate.

 

How bout an in-car, half of the last sector, track run with Jp at the wheel?

No Laughing!!!!

 

 

 

Jp

[7MGTEsup]

Will there be novelty hats again, I wonder.

 

 

Will there be the delightful driver intro's where the drives mostly have the look of shamed school children on their face when being introduced?

[SophieB]

Will there be the delightful driver intro's where the drives mostly have the look of shamed school children on their face when being introduced?

I genuinely loved those! Especially after like, the tenth name where everyone was obviously bored, including the announcer and whoever the original writer was who had to come up with all the material. It’s something different, anyway.

[jonpollak]

Embrace our attempt at €urovision cringe !!!!

Jp

[JimmyClark]

Two sprints in a row seems excessive! 

 

It will be interesting to see what Merc's upgrades bring. The bumps might hinder REd Bull, along with the reduced practice time, so McLaren must be confident of going for the top step this weekend.

 

Hopefully the race will be as good as 2021 and 2022.  

[7MGTEsup]

Embrace our attempt at €urovision cringe !!!!

Jp

 

We borrowed that from you in the first place, so it comes full circle....

[SophieB]

Primo did you have help from a little magic box to write this?

I asked it the other week to produce a build up to Qatar in case we were really stumped and …:

 

**Your Lighthearted Guide to the Qatar Grand Prix! **

 

1. **Sand Everywhere**: Remember when you went to the beach and found sand in places you didn't even know existed? Well, racers might relate. Welcome to the Qatar Grand Prix, where sand is practically the unofficial mascot!

 

2. **Night Lights**: Not a morning person? No problem! The Qatar Grand Prix takes place at night, making it the perfect event for night owls. Or for vampires. We haven't seen Dracula yet, but there's still time...

 

3. **Desert Oases?**: Instead of camels and palm trees, expect high-octane action. But hey, if you squint hard enough, maybe that F1 car might look like a very, very fast camel.

 

4. **Weather Forecast**: With Qatar's desert climate, rain is about as common as a unicorn on the racetrack. But hey, wouldn't that be a sight?

 

5. **Circuit Vibes**: The Losail International Circuit, originally designed for motorcycles, has gracefully opened its tarmac to F1. Kind of like when you let your cat take over the entire bed. They're both sleek, fast, and steal the show!

 

6. **Hot Wheels**: With temperatures that can make an egg fry on the sidewalk, drivers…

 

 

——

 

It cut off there. I think it was for the best. 

[Risil]

I remember the time the MotoGP race was delayed by a herd of unicorns at Turn One.

[jonpollak]

We borrowed that from you in the first place, so it comes full circle....

No you didn’t.
We had no cringe until your inane xenophobia perceived it by a lack of cultural understanding.

Jp

[Goron3]

Should be a fun weekend. It's usually a two stopper around here so hopefully a fun race behind Max. 

[7MGTEsup]

No you didn’t.
We had no cringe until your inane xenophobia perceived it by a lack of cultural understanding.

Jp

 

You lost me at we...

[RacingSmoke]

The bumps might hinder REd Bull, along with the reduced practice time, so McLaren must be confident of going for the top step this weekend.

 

Hopefully the race will be as good as 2021 and 2022.  

 

I need your optimism for real...

[Primo]

 

I asked it the other week to produce a build up to Qatar in case we were really stumped and …:

...

It cut off there. I think it was for the best. 

Since I have unleashed the beast, this is from the digitally captured soul of the great Leonard Cohen:
 

In the heart of Texas, where the engines hum and sigh,

COTA, the sacred ground where racing meets the sky.

It's a canvas of speed, a symphony of desire,

Where racers and renegades stoke a blazing fire.

 

Max Verstappen, a name etched in the annals of the bold,

In his Red Bull Racing chariot, he's chasing dreams untold.

He's the maestro of the circuit, conducting chaos and grace,

COTA may bear witness to his triumphant embrace.

 

Yet in this crucible of dreams, an American stands tall,

Logan Sargent, his name echoes through the call.

A lone star amidst the constellation of speed,

COTA, his proving ground, where passion takes the lead.

 

In Texas, where the weather paints a fickle sky,

Rain and sun entwine like lovers, in a dance both low and high.

The circuit's a theater, where fate's cards are cast,

Strategy and courage meld, in a race meant to last.

 

So gather, dear seekers, where the spirit of racing prevails,

At COTA, where the echoes of engines tell their tales.

In the words of Cohen, the cracks let the light shine through,

At the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where racing souls renew.

 

In this poetic arena, where asphalt meets the heart,

COTA's where the legends of racing find their start.

With Verstappen, Sargent, and others in their stride,

At COTA, the poetic essence of racing takes its pride.

 

So come, my friends, let us venture into this fray,

At COTA, where the poetry of racing holds sway.

In the spirit of Leonard, we find beauty in the chase,

And at COTA, the raw and the poetic find their place.

I apologize for not cutting it off after the first verse but still I let you off east - I was on the verge of picking up my guitar!

[SophieB]

Since I have unleashed the beast, this is from the digitally captured soul of the great Leonard Cohen:
 
In the heart of Texas, where the engines hum and sigh,
COTA, the sacred ground where racing meets the sky.
It's a canvas of speed, a symphony of desire,
Where racers and renegades stoke a blazing fire.
 
Max Verstappen, a name etched in the annals of the bold,
In his Red Bull Racing chariot, he's chasing dreams untold.
He's the maestro of the circuit, conducting chaos and grace,
COTA may bear witness to his triumphant embrace.
 
Yet in this crucible of dreams, an American stands tall,
Logan Sargent, his name echoes through the call.
A lone star amidst the constellation of speed,
COTA, his proving ground, where passion takes the lead.
 
In Texas, where the weather paints a fickle sky,
Rain and sun entwine like lovers, in a dance both low and high.
The circuit's a theater, where fate's cards are cast,
Strategy and courage meld, in a race meant to last.
 
So gather, dear seekers, where the spirit of racing prevails,
At COTA, where the echoes of engines tell their tales.
In the words of Cohen, the cracks let the light shine through,
At the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where racing souls renew.
 
In this poetic arena, where asphalt meets the heart,
COTA's where the legends of racing find their start.
With Verstappen, Sargent, and others in their stride,
At COTA, the poetic essence of racing takes its pride.
 
So come, my friends, let us venture into this fray,
At COTA, where the poetry of racing holds sway.
In the spirit of Leonard, we find beauty in the chase,
And at COTA, the raw and the poetic find their place.

I apologize for not cutting it off after the first verse but still I let you off east - I was on the verge of picking up my guitar!

 I've seen the future, baby, it’s murder

[Primo]

 I've seen the future, baby, it’s murder

It really is. 

[eibyyz]

Primo did you have help from a little magic box to write this?

 

AI?  How do you spell that? <g>

[Risil]

ChatGPT really likes this Logan Sargeant character

[Primo]

McLaren fan checking in.

Are we the only ones still excited for races at the moment?

Sprint weekend too with highly favourable viewing time in Europe. Bring it on.

I am quite excited for this race as I believe both Mercedes and McLaren will be well in the game for the top step of the podium. I think that the closer we get to the end of this season, the better our guesses for the start of next season will be.

It is of course also interesting to see how Ricciardo will do, I think this might be one of the most important weekends in his career.

What more... well the HAAS updates! Just joking, nobody cares about them. Not until one day they surprise us. 
 

[SophieB]

There is FP for F1 Academy on Sky just now, fyi.

E. I can’t add the link to the F1 Academy thread. Ah, our wacky software!

[JimmyClark]

I need your optimism for real...

I've really enjoyed the races since the summer break, personally.

[Risil]

There is FP for F1 Academy on Sky just now, fyi.

E. I can’t add the link to the F1 Academy thread. Ah, our wacky software!

How weird is that! The link text vanishes when you click post.

https://forums.autos...-like-w-series/

Edit: Fixed. Forum software hates curly quote marks in thread titles.

[jonpollak]

*forums.autosport.com/topic/%E2%80%99s

This was all I got when I tried
🤪
Jp

[Beri]

High Octane Thrills Awaits (HOTA).. Meh!

Colossal Octane Thill Action at COTA (COTA at COTA).. Yay!

[MasterOfCoin]

I remember the time the MotoGP race was delayed by a herd of unicorns at Turn One.

Unicorns or Longhorns?....

[registered]

Shambles of a schedule for europe

[AustinF1]

I was gonna ask, what PR firm wrote the OP?

Ha! Yep. Well done, Primo!

[AustinF1]

Shambles of a schedule for europe

Yeah ... thank Bobby Epsstein for that.

[AustinF1]

Still deciding if I'm gonna head out there today. It's gonna be very hot - 96F for Qualifying, but tickets prices have fallen off a cliff, so it's very cheap compared to face value. But it's free at home and nice and cool in my living room. I'm really on the fence ...

[AncientLurker]

Still deciding if I'm gonna head out there today. It's gonna be very hot - 96F for Qualifying, but tickets prices have fallen off a cliff, so it's very cheap compared to face value. But it's free at home and nice and cool in my living room. I'm really on the fence ...

The couch is more comfortable than the fence.

[Risil]

Still deciding if I'm gonna head out there today. It's gonna be very hot - 96F for Qualifying, but tickets prices have fallen off a cliff, so it's very cheap compared to face value. But it's free at home and nice and cool in my living room. I'm really on the fence ...

 

My advice is go, and do whatever you can to stay cool. You never regret an opportunity taken to see racing cars.

[jonpollak]

Shambles of a schedule for europe

Perfect pub watching schedule…
Go out and enjoy life.
Jp

[LolaB0860]

Never really cared about the circuit, and the Sprint weekend timings are terrible for Europe, but at least this feels like bit of actual event unlike quite few others now. And at least it's not a night race.

 

Hopefully the race won't be orchestrated the same way as that AI wrote the opening post. There are points of interests in the constructors championship regardless at least. Will be interesting too see if the Haas upgrades make any difference - probably not but at least they finally brought some.

 

IMSA Porsche Cup has 38 starters (down from initial 40). Apparently they'll release 2024 calendar this weekend which will have 3 Grand Prix supports, so that might mean Vegas (if they care) or more likely Montreal or even Mexico City in addition to Miami and COTA.

 

F1 Academy, well we'll see (literally, for the first time).

Edited by LolaB0860, 20 October 2023 - 15:35.

[ConsiderAndGo]

Still deciding if I'm gonna head out there today. It's gonna be very hot - 96F for Qualifying, but tickets prices have fallen off a cliff, so it's very cheap compared to face value. But it's free at home and nice and cool in my living room. I'm really on the fence ...

Wouldn’t wanna sit on a fence, personally, no matter the price ;)

Awful timings for UK so can’t really follow anything this weekend. Never mind.

Edited by ConsiderAndGo, 20 October 2023 - 15:33.

[Primo]

I was gonna ask, what PR firm wrote the OP?

Yeah... I saw that (now locked) thread "COTA too boring for a US Grand Prix build up thread" and thought I'd put together something overly enthusiastic

It is actually quite fun to "discuss" with an AI, to suggest some changes, stylistic or attitude..ic? make demands and, and this is the trickiest one; trying to make it be less polite and excuse itself all the time. 

[jonpollak]

My advice is go, and do whatever you can to stay cool. You never regret an opportunity taken to see racing cars.

If he’s clever he can get in free at Heywood’s Hill.
Our ‘friend’ is there now.
Jp

[AustinF1]

The couch is more comfortable than the fence.

 

My advice is go, and do whatever you can to stay cool. You never regret an opportunity taken to see racing cars.

 

Wouldn’t wanna sit on a fence, personally, no matter the price ;)

Awful timings for UK so can’t really follow anything this weekend. Never mind.

Yeah I just got very cheap tickets in the T9 GS, so I'm going, but just for today. I'll catch y'all later. Enjoy!!

 

 

If he’s clever he can get in free at Heywood’s Hill.
Our ‘friend’ is there now.
Jp

 

I could proibably get in there, but think I'd have to trespass to watch from Haywood's. Don's family sold the property after he passed away. RIP. Good man.

Edited by AustinF1, 21 October 2023 - 02:43.

[Red5ive]

Please God not "Ricky Bobby" again........

[paulb]

Yeah... I saw that (now locked) thread "COTA too boring for a US Grand Prix build up thread" and thought I'd put together something overly enthusiastic

It is actually quite fun to "discuss" with an AI, to suggest some changes, stylistic or attitude..ic? make demands and, and this is the trickiest one; trying to make it be less polite and excuse itself all the time. 

... did forget to thank-you for the OP. AustinF1 may have thought it was a Bobby Epstein memo.

[JimmyClark]

Still deciding if I'm gonna head out there today. It's gonna be very hot - 96F for Qualifying, but tickets prices have fallen off a cliff, so it's very cheap compared to face value. But it's free at home and nice and cool in my living room. I'm really on the fence ...

How much can you get a ticket for?

[jonpollak]

Danica in cute Grey top and Beige shorts today !!!

 

 

Jp

[jjcale]

Still deciding if I'm gonna head out there today. It's gonna be very hot - 96F for Qualifying, but tickets prices have fallen off a cliff, so it's very cheap compared to face value. But it's free at home and nice and cool in my living room. I'm really on the fence ...

 

The TV cannot do the mighty RB19 justice .... go and see it with your own two eyes ..... one of the best cars in history.

Edited by jjcale, 20 October 2023 - 17:07.

[jonpollak]

Gonna miss Lawson...He did very well .

Jp