Gondola flair in Austin: Antonelli reaches for the Formula 1 World Championship title

The 20-year-old Italian has USA Grand Prix for the first time Match point on the title. With 340 points, Antonelli leads the world championship ahead of his teammate George Russell (238) and Lewis Hamilton im Ferrari (229) an.

If that succeeds, Antonelli would Sebastian Vettel replace, who got his first in 2010 at the age of 23 World title fetched. The Italian tries to ignore the pressure. “It’s crazy when you think about it, that’s why I don’t want to think about it. (…) I have to do my job and perform at my best, if I do that the rest will take care of itself,” he said before the race weekend.

Eight wins this season speak for his class, but recently his run of success has stalled. But that should now change with a new update package: “We have worked hard to identify our weak points. We will use our latest update package on both cars and at the same time push forward the development of the car. There is a lot at stake, but we don’t want to rush anything,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. If the title doesn’t work out this week, then maybe at the next race next week Mexico.

Verstappen’s love for Austin has its limits

Max Verstappen on the other hand, has with his improved Red Bull won the last two races and also has good memories of Austin and speaks of one of the “most beautiful routes and one of the best places.” Last year he won there both in the Sprint as well as in Grand Prix. But there will be no sprint this year.

Is less enthusiastic Verstappen the condition of the asphalt. The four-time world champion refers to the bumps as “unacceptable”. Previous repairs were only superficial solutions. Because the ground is moving, the foundation needs to be reinforced. He is particularly concerned about the strain on the drivers’ backs.

The schedule For the race weekend in Austin, the first free practice session is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the second at 11 p.m. (both CEST). The third training session follows on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. and that Qualifying at 11 p.m. The Grand Prix starts on Sunday at 9 p.m.

Between bumps and VIP gondolas

The 5.513 kilometer long Circuit of the Americas demands a lot from the drivers with its 20 corners and 56 laps. The steep uphill section to the first corner is particularly notorious, where it usually gets tight after the start.

The area also changed visually. A new, four-story building towers over the first curve Clubhousea new one Cable car connects the building directly to the pit building. The gondolas each have space for six people, but are reserved exclusively for club members.

In around 14 million dollars Exclusive boxes, a restaurant, fitness center, Racing and golf simulators, conference rooms and a rooftop area with pools. The new private club is intended to transform the racetrack into a year-round adventure destination wealthy motorsport fans make.

However, the concept also has a downside. Ab 2027 The facility should be available exclusively to club members on at least 250 days a year. For Young driverracing schools and hobby pilots could be an important one Training suit lost go.

Formula 1 boom without American drivers

The premier class in the USA is experiencing an upswing. Three races per season, full grandstands and growing commercial interest make the country one of the most important markets for Formula 1. More than 400,000 visitors on a race weekend are in Austin not uncommon. The only thing missing is a real American figurehead in the cockpit.

Among other things, hopes are high Colton Herta. The 27-year-old can take part in free training in Austin Cadillac drive, but the jump into the regular cockpit remains out of reach for the time being. After moving from the IndyCar Series to the Formula 2 Herta only took 19th place. His achievements were not enough Super license for the premier class. While young talents like the Brazilian Rafael Camara be ready Formula 1 cockpit for 2027 have secured, US fans are still waiting for their own driver in Formula 1.