F1: Scuderia Ferrari returns in USA at COTA

Ferrari secures another podium with Leclerc. Unlucky Sainz, retired immediately, after starting from pole position.

Unlucky Sainz

It is another race weekend with few surprises. Ferrari coming from being the fastest in qualify, gets first place with Carlos Sainz and Leclerc second, penalized to 12th position after changing the power unit.

After the splendid drive in Q3, Sainz slow starts ends to a collision. Russell T-bones the Spaniard at turn 1, the damages to the radiator are irreparable and force retirement.

Russell gets only a 5 second penalty.

Charles Leclerc, who is fighting for 2nd place in the championship against the other Red Bull driver, Checo Perez, starts from 12 position after taking a grid penalty.

A changing of the power unit that looks more like a primary test for the 2023’s engine development, like Suzuka.

Pit Stop Strategy on Point

In a race perfectly managed strategically, the Monegasque takes advantage of Bottas’ retirement and the entrance of the safety car.

As Max and Lewis pitted, Leclerc gains seconds and position to place close to Red Bull and Mercedes. It is Mercedes that this weekend in Austin is looking aggressive and competitive, with Red Bull watching closely Lewis’ moves.

Big scare from Fernando Alonso, with the car literally taking off after colliding with Lance Stroll. The Canadian, famous for endangering the race with some questionable moves, this time crashes Alonso that miraculously return to race to get P7.

Pitting and Undercut

Second session of pit stops, and Charles Leclerc gets in the race for the top positions: after a slow pit-stop from Red Bull, ends right in front of Verstappen.

Hamilton takes advantage and completes the undercut, leading the race from Sebastian Vettel, also victim of a slow pit-stop from Aston Martin.

Charles like a true cowboy defends, but the RB18 is superior on straights, allowing Max “latching” Leclerc on DRS zone.

Equal fate for Hamilton on Lap 50, with Verstappen closing the gap and regaining the lead in a beautiful fight, recalling the rivalry of the past season.

Leclerc struggled again with the medium compound tires.

Proof of Red Bull and Mercedes’ ability to manage tires better come from the decline in performance of Ferrari.

Toward the last laps, Perez gets close towards, but Leclerc despite struggling, hold on third place.

Austin finishes with another great performance from Verstappen first, followed by Hamilton (2) and Leclerc. Red Bull clinches the constructor championship for the 2022 season.

Next week in Mexico, one of the most exciting tracks of the Americas.