F1 | US GP – Preview
We enter the hottest part of the calendar with just four events at the checkered flag.Each race could be crucial for Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Thirty three points are a great advantage for Nico, even psychologically speaking because four seconds are enough for becoming the world champion. With the car that he has at his disposal, excepting any reliability problems, it is a result more than achievable. Regarding the engine, Mercedes will keep playing in defense since they have already achieved the Constructor’s title (for three year in a row).
Last year, the weekend was heavily affected by the rain ( Q3 wasn’t raced), and it created a lot of troubles to the promoters. In spite it hasn’t an asterisk in the new calendar, Austin is one of those circuits in difficulty. I wish a serene weekend (in every respect).
It is a very demanding track, where the engine is committed fully during 60% of the lap, and the safety-car is a factor to keep in mind. Regarding strategies, Mercedes, Ferrari and red Bull have bet on different tire compounds. Ferrari bets resolutely on Supersofts, bringing seven sets for each driver against six at Mercedes and Red Bull. Just a Medium tire compound, against four at Red Bull, three for Hamilton and two for Rosberg. Five Softs for Vettel, Raikkonen and Rosberg, four for Hamilton and three for the couple Ricciardo/Verstappen.
After the fourth and fifth place gained in Japan, at Ferarri they will have to pay attention to Red Bull. The silence at Maranello means nervousness.Last year, Seb managed to end behind Mercedes, ahead of Verstappen’s Toro Rosso and Perez’s Force India.The attention will also focus on Hamilton, after his slam against the team, and on the Drivers market.
In 2017, Hulkenberg will move into Renault. At Williams, it is waited Lance stroll, 18 years old ( whose sign will come in November when he will be adult). I wish also to see the Italian flag…