With FP1 for the United States GP concluded, there are a few takeaways before we head into the Sprint Qualifying. This weekend is a crucial one for all the F1 teams as the upgrades that are brought here will probably be the final upgrades for the season. However, the teams had only 1 practice session to test these upgrades.
Carlos Sainz managed to go fastest during the only hour of practice for the United States GP. His teammate, Charles Leclerc was right behind him, indicating that this could be a strong weekend for Ferrari. But Ferrari was only one of two teams this weekend to not bring any upgrades to their car.
While the Prancing Horses had a positive hour of practice, most of the other teams suffered from several issues. On top of this list is Mercedes.
Mercedes struggle during FP1 for United States GP
Coming to Austin, Mercedes brought a total of 6 upgrades to the W15, including circuit-specific parts. However, these parts failed to keep the car on the track, as both drivers had a few spins and lock-ups throughout the session.
One of the possible reasons for their struggle in FP1 it is extremely windy in Austin at the moment. Winds were travelling at around 10 miles per hour during FP1. One other reason could be that they simply didn’t have enough time to test the new parts. But the team will not be getting any more practice time this weekend.
Big spin for Hamilton in sector 1!
He recovers and continues on #F1 #USGP 🇺🇲 pic.twitter.com/xqO3tsL7Zs— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 18, 2024
Normally, the teams would have 3 practice sessions to test their cars, tweak their setups and more. However, since the United States GP is a Sprint Weekend, there will only be one practice session before the cars need to be ready for Sprint Qualifying.
This is also probably the reason why Ferrari was looking strong in FP1. Since the Maranello-based team did not bring any upgrades to Austin, the team already has the data to make the right setup changes.
But Mercedes were not the only team to struggle in FP1. Several drivers struggled to keep the car on track.
Track limits a problem once again at Austin
One of the problems with the circuit at Austin over the years has always been track limits. Given the nature of the tracks, it allows drivers to brake late, and take wide racing lines for better exits. With no gravel traps on the exits of corners, drivers tend to overshoot and go outside the track limits. FP1 this year was no different.
A lot of drivers including Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were not able to keep their car within the white lines. This could become a huge problem heading into Sprint Qualifying. No team wants to have their laps deleted during qualifying sessions. But we could be seeing this happen later today and tomorrow.
FP1 CLASSIFICATION@ScuderiaFerrari lead the way in our only practice session of the weekend 👏
Next up 👉 #F1Sprint qualifying #F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/cBe2qvnQQx
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 18, 2024
The stewards will have to be ready to check the laps of every single driver. It is going to be hectic for the FIA to manage track limits in the coming sessions of the weekend.
Who do you think will be on the front row of the grid for the Sprint Race tomorrow? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
