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The 2024 F1 US GP is arguably the pivotal point in the season. This would be the race where the teams bring an upgrade for the last time in the year. This would also be the kick-off point for the last quarter of the season.
There's plenty at stake and we have the return of a sprint weekend as well. To add to this, we will see the beginning of the final championship push by both the drivers and the teams.
McLaren leads the constructors' championship on the back of a continued surge. Max Verstappen, for his part, is trying to defend a 52-point lead in the championship against Lando Norris.
So, what can we expect as we head to the first sprint weekend in a while? Let's find out as we take a look at our predictions for the F1 US GP.
#5 Tire degradation and Strategy is going to play a role
If there is one thing that has stood out in the last few years for the F1 US GP, then that is the innate ability of the track to produce cliffhangers. Austin is not necessarily a track that produces action-packed races. It is, however, a track that tends to produce races where strategy comes to the fore.
It was strategy that won Max Verstappen the F1 US GP last season, and it was a pitstop mishap that almost cost him in 2022. This time around, the track grip has been ramped up through resurfacing and the bumps are gone. This could make a difference as well compared to what we had last season.
#4 Haas and Williams battle for the best of the rest
The midfield battle that encapsulates almost every car from P5 to P10 is exciting at the moment because teams like Haas and Williams have been making strides. On a track like the one at Austin, once again expect these two cars to jump to the fore.
It's hard to predict how good or bad the Aston Martin would be. The team is expected to bring a set of upgrades, but what kind of impact they have is still a question mark. Overall, if we're looking at teams that could potentially be in the hunt for points, they might be Haas and Williams.
#3 Red Bull's upgrade would be positive but would not overhaul McLaren
Much has been said about the much-touted Red Bull upgrade. How good would it be? Will it equip Max Verstappen to challenge for wins again? If we go by what Helmut Marko has to say, it does appear that the upgrade is going to be interesting and positive.
But what are the realistic expectations from it? Well, one should expect strong results from the upgrade. But expecting Red Bull to completely transform and jump to the front of the grid thanks to it is going to be a step too far.
#2 Lewis Hamilton is the wildcard this weekend
If we look at Lewis Hamilton's record at the F1 US GP, it is stunning. The driver has finished just one place behind Max Verstappen in the last three races on this track, though he was disqualified after the checkered flag in 2023. His form has carried over into the ground effect era as well where his performances have been very impressive at Austin.
This weekend kicks off the final 6-race stretch as a Mercedes driver for Lewis Hamilton. And it is one of his favorite tracks. While a win might be a step too far, Hamilton is going to be the wildcard this weekend.
#1 Lando Norris wins the 2024 F1 US GP
There are a lot of expectations from Red Bull and other teams. Especially since most of the prominent ones are bringing upgrades for one last push. With that being said, if there's one thing that's quite clear after the race in Singapore, it is that McLaren is more or less going to be near the front at every track.
The team and the car have passed the test of being competitive everywhere this year. To add to this, McLaren also is bringing a decent upgrade package to the F1 US GP. Coupled with the fact that Red Bull would still most probably be a step behind and the Ferrari might not be best suited to this track, we're narrowing the list of predicted winners down to the team from Woking.
Norris has the momentum from the race in Singapore, and we're backing him to win the F1 US GP.
