Sprint Results 2024 United States F1 Grand Prix

Event: USA Grand Prix
Track: Circuit of the Americas

Weather: dry  27.2°C
Tarmac: dry  45.0°C
Humidity : 47%
Wind: 8.2 km//h South

Verstappen Dominates Thrilling United States Sprint Race at COTA

The 2024 United States Formula 1 Sprint race delivered plenty of action as Max Verstappen claimed a decisive victory from pole position, extending his championship lead at the Circuit of The Americas. With several battles up and down the grid, the 19-lap dash in Austin showcased wheel-to-wheel action, strategic tire management, and drama that set the stage for an exciting race weekend.

Verstappen Takes Command from the Start

From the moment the lights went out, Verstappen wasted no time asserting his dominance. The Dutchman executed a clean getaway, leaving the rest of the pack to battle for position behind him. Lando Norris, starting from fourth, surged through the opening corners to slot into second after a tussle with the Ferrari duo. However, Norris’s early pace wasn’t enough to fend off the charging Carlos Sainz in the closing laps.

Despite pressure from both McLaren and Ferrari, Verstappen remained calm, managing his tires and car expertly to secure his fourth Sprint win of the season. This victory marks his first triumph since Austria earlier this year, ending a surprising dry spell for the reigning champion. He now takes an additional eight points into Sunday’s Grand Prix, extending his championship lead to 54 points.

Sainz Snatches Second as Norris Struggles with Tyres

While Verstappen cruised up front, the battle for the remaining podium places provided plenty of excitement. Lando Norris looked set to take second, but his McLaren's front tires faded in the final laps, allowing Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to capitalize. Sainz, benefiting from DRS and superior tire management, overtook Norris with just two laps to go, securing P2.

Norris hung on to third, narrowly holding off Charles Leclerc, who was also struggling with tire wear. Leclerc's late charge fell short, and he finished just behind the McLaren, rounding out a competitive top four.

Haas Celebrates Strong Performance on Home Soil

The Haas team had reason to celebrate as both of their cars finished in the points on home soil. Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen brought their cars home in sixth and eighth, respectively. This strong result lifts Haas to sixth in the Constructors' Championship, edging out their rivals with tied points but a better race result from earlier in the season.

Hulkenberg’s consistent drive, combined with Magnussen’s late battle for eighth place, showcased the team’s improved pace at COTA. Their double points finish is a much-needed boost as they head into Sunday’s race with confidence.

Tire Management Key to Sprint Drama

The fast-paced nature of the Sprint race highlighted the importance of tire management, with several drivers struggling as the laps wound down. Both Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, had difficulty maintaining tire performance, with Russell finishing fifth and Hamilton crossing the line in sixth after battling each other.

Ferrari and Red Bull appeared to have the upper hand in managing tire degradation, a crucial factor that could influence the outcome of Sunday’s Grand Prix. As the track heats up, teams will likely make adjustments to ensure their race pace is optimized for the longer race distance.

Bottas’ Brake Drama Adds to Late Sprint Tension

The Sprint race also saw some late drama when Valtteri Bottas’ rear brakes caught fire, forcing him to stop his car before reaching the pits. The Alfa Romeo team now faces a race against time to repair the car ahead of Sunday’s qualifying session. This incident capped off an otherwise action-packed Sprint race filled with overtakes, strategy calls, and a glimpse of what’s to come in the main event.

Looking Ahead to the US Grand Prix

With Verstappen back on top, attention now shifts to the United States Grand Prix, where the Dutchman will aim to convert his strong Sprint form into a dominant race win. However, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes will be eager to bounce back, with many teams expected to tweak their setups based on the insights gained during the Sprint.

The battle for pole and crucial points continues, and with tire strategy playing such a pivotal role, fans can expect another thrilling contest at COTA.

Be sure to tune in for live coverage as the teams prepare for the all-important qualifying session and tomorrow’s Grand Prix. Will Verstappen complete the double, or will another challenger rise to the occasion?

Classification 2024 USA Sprint

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