The 3 challenges of the United States Grand Prix

Red Bull, the United States Grand Prix to celebrate the double?

Red Bull at the party again this weekend? ©DPPI/A. Vincent

Among the drivers, apart from the places of honor, there is not much left to play for since Max Verstappen was crowned world champion in Japan two weeks ago. As for the teams, everything is also practically decided in the run-up to this United States Grand Prix. Dominant like its Dutch driver, Red Bull is on track to achieve a first double since 2013 when Sebastian Vettel was titled for the 4^e times in his career.

With 165 points ahead of Ferrari, the Austrian team is one step away from putting an end to the hegemony of Mercedes, the only champion team in the hybrid era. With only 191 left in play, Red Bull has its first match point of the year. In Austin, Christian Horner and his gang will not have to concede 19 points or more on the Reds to get their hands on the Manufacturers' trophy and thus complete the 5^e coupled with their history. A mission well within their reach.

Haas, making a good impression at home

Haas wants to shine at home. ©DPPI/A. Vincent

This United States Grand Prix is ​​undoubtedly one of the most important meetings of the season for Haas. In front of its home crowd, Gene Haas's team intends to do things well. Unfortunately, the machines from Kannapolis (North Carolina) have not been in their best shape in recent weeks. After a good start to the season, they are no longer able to accumulate points and this has notably resulted in a return ofAlpha Tauri on the balance sheet since they both have 34 units to the 8^e and 9^e positions of the Manufacturers respectively.

Without the slightest finish in the Top 10 since Austria last July, the equivalent of 7 Grands Prix, Haas is heading straight into the wall. So this meeting in Austin represents an opportunity to get back on track. Far from having secured his seat for 2023, Mick Schumacher has a great card to play. The German knows he is closely scrutinized by Gene Haas and other members of the management and a correct copy in Texas could perhaps tip the scales in his favor. As for Kevin Magnussen, the Dane will have to raise his voice to help his people stay in touch withAston Martin, current 7^e among the Manufacturers and with an 11 point lead.

Aston Martin, riding the dynamic

Aston Martin has been performing quite well since the Asian tour. ©DPPI/A. Vincent

Without making too much noise, Aston Martin is progressing little by little. Since the end of the European tour with the Singapore Grand Prix (October 2), only Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren are doing better than the English team (20 in the last two races). A figure which has gone somewhat unnoticed but which testifies to the progress made by Lawrence's men Stroll.

While they seem to have found a second wind at the end of the season, the Greens intend to take advantage of this good dynamic during the United States Grand Prix. In Austin, the characteristics of the route could work in favor of Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel but also pose certain constraints to them. Rather efficient in circuits with high aerodynamic downforce such as Zandvoort or Singapore recently, the AMR22 could work well in the first and last sectors where the turns follow one another. However, the long straight line of the second should not give him an advantage against the competitors. The engineers will therefore have to find the right balance between downforce and top speed in order to offer a competitive AMR22 to its drivers so that they continue their momentum.

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