Aditya ChaudhuriWith both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships secured by Red Bull, racing heads to Austin for the 2023 United States Grand Prix, with all eyes on Red Bull to see if they can maintain this season’s consistency for the remainder of the races.
With Daniel Ricciardo returning, Haas’ home race, and one Red Bull driver under a lot of pressure, there are several stories in play this weekend and we’ve got for you a couple of predictions in this article.
A Mexican standoff
To say that Sergio Pérez has had a poor season would be an understatement. After winning two of the opening four races, Pérez was an actual contender for the Drivers’ Championship and everyone was eager to see if the Mexican could take the fight to his teammate.
Unfortunately, like many before him, Pérez dropped the ball, and his decline has been a sorry one. Such has been the poor showing that Pérez, in the fastest car on the grid, is now losing out on the second spot in the Drivers’ Championship, with Lewis Hamilton creeping up on him.
If the poor performances weren’t enough, Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the grid after a slight injury layoff is also cause for concern for Pérez, whose future with Red Bull itself has been under scrutiny, with Ricciardo even reportedly being considered as a replacement for the Mexican. A former Red Bull driver himself, Ricciardo already has good relations with the team and is comfortable working with Max Verstappen.
Given Pérez’s poor performances, a change looks more and more likely. Apart from Ricciardo, another driver in the mix is Yuki Tsunoda.
The stakes for Pérez have never been higher. If he wants to continue his Formula One career, it’s high time for him to deliver. That said, with his back against the wall, expect the Mexican to come out strong.
Pole Prediction: Max Verstappen / Sergio Pérez
Win Prediction: Red Bull
Watch out for Haas
When the regulation changes came in in 2022, Haas, who had spent most of the years prior at the bottom of the table, finally had a chance for a fresh start and move up the table. However, after starting strongly, they fell off once again in 2022, and 2023 has turned out to be no different for the American team.
That said, Haas are bringing big changes to Austin with hopes of moving up the table in the Constructors’. They are looking to go the Red Bull way with their updates, which could help them end the season on a strong note.
At their home race, expect Haas to perform well in front of their home fans.
Mercedes switching focus
Like Haas, another team bringing upgrades to Austin are Mercedes, who had a slow start to the season and dropped down the Constructors’ table, with Aston Martin and McLaren making quick starts.
Since the Canadian Grand Prix, however, Mercedes have had three podium finishes and some strong double points hauls, which has seen them pip Ferrari for the second spot in the Constructors’.
Mercedes’ race pace has always been strong. In the last few races, while they haven’t been in the Red Bull league, they have been able to hold their own. With new upgrades coming, don’t count out the Silver Arrows for their first win of the season in Austin.
Podium Predictions: Mercedes
Race details
Circuit: Circuit of the Americas
Venue: Austin, Texas
Practice Session 1 time: 23:00, October 20
Qualifying time: 02:30, October 21
Sprint Shootout time: 23:00, October 21
Sprint time: 03:30, October 22
Main race time: 00:30, October 23
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro
(All timings IST)
