2023 Formula One United States Grand Prix

A two week break separates the Qatar Grand Prix and Formula One's second American GP, this time at COTA. Here is all you need to look out for this weekend.

Image credit: Aston Martin on Newspress

Two weeks ago, Formula One was preparing for an all-out assault in the desert of Qatar. However, heat, track conditions and tyre wear lead to a rather interesting Grand Prix that has become somewhat controversial.

But it is good news for those complaining about track limits because this weekend, the paddock ventures to a circuit where track limits have never been an issue. Oh wait, we mean the opposite. COTA - or Circuit Of The Americas - hosts Round 19 of this record calendar.

The Grand Prix taking place at COTA is always a fun race. As a result, there is plenty to discuss going into the event. Here are the main talking points for the weekend.

All About The Show​

One of the main aspects of Formula One's annual visit to COTA is the atmosphere. Whilst it once suffered from low attendance, the sport's rise in North America has certainly attracted the crowds. Furthermore, thanks to its proximity to Austin, the party city, social media managers up and down the grid enjoy the content on offer.


In fact, drivers often take on the roles of entertainers with various media duties and appearances. Certainly in the run up to the event, Instagram and Twitter are sure to be ablaze.

However, the most exciting part for race fans is the fact that COTA always manages to deliver exciting racing. Thanks to its layout, the Circuit of the Americas naturally encourages close running and overtakes.

In fact, the circuit combines an excellent high-speed first sector with slower sections that allows multi-corner battles. These sections are divided by a pair of long straights and heavy braking zones that allow deep dives. With twice the racing action on show this weekend thanks to the Sprint format, we are sure to experience a lot of excitement.

Ricciardo Returns​

One would certainly be excused for forgetting that the Honey Badger is back in Formula One. Daniel Ricciardo returned to the sport after replacing Nyck De Vries at Alpha Tauri earlier this season. However, in just his third weekend, he suffered a broken hand after a crash at Zandvoort.


Since then, the Australian has once again been away from the track, with a very competent Liam Lawson filling his shoes.

This weekend however, Ricciardo makes his return to the sport at a circuit he often claims to be one of his favorites. No doubt thanks to the aforementioned show atmosphere that matches his personality, the Aussie revels in the ambiance. Whether or not Daniel once again makes a show of his appearance this weekend is as yet unknown. One can imagine that a sedate return to the circuit would be beneficial for a driver that is clearly lacking seat time.

How To Watch The United States Grand Prix​

As aforementioned, the 2023 COTA Grand Prix is once again a Sprint event. That means that for the first time in the format's existence, F1 will get two Sprint weekends in a row. However, it does mean that competitive running will get going as early as Friday, so keeping on top of session times is crucial. Here are all the sessions you must look out for over the next few days.


Who are you rooting for this weekend in the Formula One COTA GP? Let us know in the poll or in the comments below!