22/10/2017
NEWS STORY
Believe us when we say that we are not being selfish when we admit to not wanting to see the title wrapped up today.
Admittedly, like broadcasters, specialist magazines and other F1 websites, advertising is our life blood, and the resultant drop in readership should Lewis Hamilton secure the title with three races remaining would be severely damaging.
No, we speak as race fans, and not the sort that fit into any of Liberty Media's various boxes. While we accept the title belongs to Hamilton we want to see what sort of comeback - if any - Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari can mount in reaction to the recent disasters.
Certainly on Friday it appeared as though the nightmare continued, while Saturday witnessed a strong revival.
Despite the mutual backslapping earlier in the season, when Lewis and Sebastian insisted how fantastic it was to be battling one another, we haven't really seen the pair go head to head... wheel to wheel, not unless you count the abomination that was Baku.
What better time therefore, for Sebastian to take the fight to Lewis and Mercedes, to show what might have been, what may yet follow in 2018.
For his part, Hamilton has been on electrifying form all weekend, quickest in every single session, every inch the world champion. On the other hand, right up until Q3, Seb has looked a little nervous.
Then again, his comment about the car feeling like 'jelly' is something we can all relate to, something feeling not quite right and therefore unsettling us, compromising our zone.
With an eye on events in Singapore it's pointless to start analysing what might happen at the start, other than to say that Turn 1 is notorious and a number of drivers here today have form.
In its determination to derail Hamilton, Ferrari has introduced a number of updates, and thus far they appear to be working.
Renault also has an update, in the form of a new-spec engine, but since it was only made available to Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo out-qualified him, we have yet to see its real worth.
Talking of Max, the Red Bull driver is one of several to incur a grid penalty or two, though of these Stroll's and Magnussen's are for impeding fellow drivers in qualifying rather than new engine elements.
At the time of writing the order is: Hamilton, Vettel, Bottas, Ricciardo, Raikkonen, Ocon, Sainz, Alonso, Perez, Massa, Kvyat, Grosjean, Ericsson, Wehrlein, Stroll, Verstappen, Magnussen, Hulkenberg, Hartley and Vandoorne. Though this could still change. Indeed, it's different from the grid released earlier due to an engine change for Vandoorne - so much for that new Honda reliability.
The two main protagonist's teammates could also come into play today, and let's not forget that mathematically Valtteri Bottas is still in with a shout of taking the 2017 crown.
And then there's the battle for the midfield, and while Force India clearly has the edge, Renault receives a much-needed boost in the form of Carlos Sainz.
At the same time, with a couple of seats still to be filled, not least at Williams, what better opportunity for the likes of Massa and Wehrlein to stake a claim.
In terms of tyres, Pirelli has gone a step softer than 2016 when Hamilton won on a two-sto strategy that saw him start on soft, stick with more softs then switch to mediums.
This year the softs, mediums and ultras are available, the usually purple-banded tyre actually pink for this race in honour of breast cancer awareness. A worthy cause.
According to Pirelli, the fastest race strategy theoretically is a two-stopper: two stints on ultrasoft of 18 laps each followed by one stint on supersoft. Second-fastest is also a two-stopper: one stint on ultrasoft (18 laps) plus two stints on supersoft of 19 laps each. Finally, if degradation is lower, a one-stopper could work: one 21-lap stint on ultrasoft, then supersoft to the flag.
Although it is bright, sunny and hot, the wind remains a factor, particularly at T1 and the rest of the first sector.
Another factor that could play a part is track limits, with Charlie Whiting set to stamp down on those drivers taking the proverbial at T19.
Being its first home race since buying the sport, Liberty Media is looking to impress, and other than getting boxing commentator Michael Buffer to introduce the drivers before the anthem, a number of celebrity guests are on hand.
Usain Bolt is to wave the green flag that gives the all clear for the race to begin, the legendary sprinter driven a lap of the circuit by Hamilton in an AMG, the Briton admitting that he wanted to scare the sprinter to death.
Another guest, albeit of Sauber, is Bill Clinton, an odd choice seeing as that Liberty and its owners were generous in their funding of Donal Trump's election campaign. That said, should Hamilton claim the title today, the title of Hilary Clinton's recent tome might make a suitable epitaph for Ferrari's season.
With that in mind, it's worth noting that Sergio Marchionne is here... a fact that is sure to give the Ferrari crew added peace of mind. Not.
Being the US of A, it's all bigger, bolder and louder than elsewhere, and a lot of fun. The fans are clearly up for it and why not, F1 needs America.
Due to the pre-race activities, the pitlane opens fifteen minutes earlier than usual and one by one the drivers head out.
Air temperature is 23 degrees C, while the track temperature is 31 degrees.
Contender for quote of the year goes to Christian Horner who advises Martin Brundle that one of the most powerful men in America is on the grid. "Clinton?" asks Brundle. "Err, no Randall Stephenson, chairman of AT&T," advises Horner.
As for the pre-race announcements, our tweet says it all: "We were wrong, this Michael Buffer thing is worse than Dad Dancing. Way, way worse". By the reaction, we are not alone.
God, it was awful.
Not so the Star Bangled Banner, which was delivered with great emotion. A wonderful rendition.
As they head off on the warm-up lap, most are on ultras. Massa, Ericsson, Stroll, Verstappen, Magnussen and Vandoorne are on supersofts, on the other hand, while Wehrlein is on softs.
Usain Bolt waves the green flag to release the cars on their warm-up lap.
Hamilton is particularly slow on his warm-up lap however, that's his prerogative. Mind games with Vettel, after all the Briton is aware the slow pace will not go down well with the German's tyres.
They're away, and while Hamilton moves over on Vettel there is plenty more track for the German to run to, indeed heading into the first corner, having made a superb start, he has the inside line and the lead.
They get through the first corner, though Sainz runs wide, Ocon getting ahead of Raikkonen and Alonso and Sainz battling. Somewhere in it all, Magnussen has gone off.
Further back, Verstappen takes full advantage of the wide Texas track, and is alongside a locking-up Stroll as they enter T1. Indeed, as the Red Bull dives inside the Williams, the cars are four abreast.
At the end of lap 1, it's: Vettel, Hamilton, Bottas, Ricciardo, Ocon, Raikkonen, Alonso, Sainz, Massa and Perez.
Ricciardo makes a move on the inside of Bottas at T1, the Finn runs wide but fights back and holds off the Australian.
Magnussen pits at the end of lap 1 following his off on the opening lap.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Austin, here.
1.001s down on Vettel, Hamilton posts a fastest lap on lap2, as Raikkonen gets past Ocon to take 5th.
"Pace looks pretty good," reports Hamilton.
At the start of lap Ricciardo makes another move on Bottas, coming from way, way back, again the Finn runs wide, again they go wheel to wheel. However, the sheer power of the Mercedes engine is too much for the Renault-powered Red Bull.
All of which is playing into Raikkonen's hands, the Finn just 1s behind the duo.
In the Renault garage, Hulkenberg's race appears to be over.
As Hamilton continues to shadow Vettel, Verstappen is up to ninth and Hartley is up to 15th.
From out on nowhere, Hamilton closes on Vettel and passes him. Does the German have a problem?
In no time at all, the Briton is 0.8s clear of the Ferrari.
Having announced that the stewards are investigating an incident involving Wehrlein and Magnussen, just as quickly they reveal that no investigation is necessary.
Replay shows the German appearing to turn in on Magnussen, who is well known for his refusal to give an inch.
The incident results in Wehrlein's retirement from the race.
Verstappen is slicing through the field like a hot knife through butter, the Red Bull driver now up to seventh.
The stewards are now investigating the second lap incident involving Ricciardo and Bottas.
Asked about his tyres, Ricciardo reports: "They're ****, and it's not helped by the dirty air."
Hartley is the first driver to make a scheduled tyre stop.
Verstappen makes short work of Ocon, the Dutch driver now up to 6th. "Well done Max," he is told. "We're back in the game, P6."
Next up for Max will be Raikkonen, who will not be nearly as obliging as Ocon.
Stroll pits at the end of lap 10, as Hamilton extends his lead to 2.7s.
"I've got blistering on the front left," reports Vettel.
Raikkonen closes on Ricciardo who has fallen away from Bottas.
No further action to be taken following the Australian's second lap clash with Bottas.
Ricciardo pits at the end of lap 12, releasing Raikkonen who is now 4.1s down on Bottas. Ricciardo rejoins in 9th ahead of Massa.
Perez also pits, the Mexican rejoining in 15th.
Hamilton reports that he's happy to make it a longer stint.
Ricciardo passes Sainz for 8th. Next up is Alonso, however, the Spaniard pits, as does Ocon.
On fresh rubber, Ricciardo posts a new fastest lap (40.012).
A problem for Ricciardo, he runs wide and then searches out a patch of grass where he parks up. "Engine's gone, engine's gone" he sighs. Replay reveals the engine suddenly died.
Vettel pits at the end of lap 16, the German rejoining in 5th on softs. Meanwhile, Hamilton is happy to continue on his ultrasofts. "Tyres are good, I can extend," he says.
At the end of lap 17, Kvyat pits, the Russian rejoining in 13th.
Ocon passes Vandoorne for 8th as Bottas pits. As the Finn rejoins in 5th, on softs, Vettel goes quickest (39.702) on the same compound.
"It would be nice to know what our strategy is," says Alonso. "Are we on Plan B?"
Hamilton pits at the end of lap 19, clearly in reaction to those improved times from Vettel. Hamilton rejoins in third, behind Raikkonen and Verstappen, but he has Vettel all over his rear end. The Briton just about holds him off.
"Little bit close lads," how did you allow it to get so close?" asks Hamilton.
"Too far, sorry too far," admits Vettel.
Raikkonen pits at the end of lap 20, rejoining in 5th.
Ericsson pits, leaving race leader Verstappen, Massa and Vandoorne as the only other drivers yet to stop.
Hamilton passes Verstappen, who subsequently retakes the place even though he is not really in the fight at this stage. However, on fresher rubber the Briton finally dispatches the youngster.
In the process, Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (39.233).
Raikkonen is closing in on Bottas, as Perez hunts Alonso and Kvyat shadows Vandoorne.
Verstappen pits at the end of lap 24, rejoining in 5th on softs.
Passed by a series of drivers, Alonso reports: "I think I have an engine issue". "Back off, he is told, "back off". At least we think it is back off.
The Spaniard is unhappy and understandably so. "I can't believe it!" he says. "Another six... eight points."
This is when you really need Michel Buffer listing Honda's failures this season.
On fresh, soft rubber, Verstappen is setting a blistering pace (38.523), as he closes on 4th placed Raikkonen.
After 27 laps, just under half-distance, it's: Hamilton, Vettel, Bottas, Raikkonen, Verstappen, Massa, Ocon, Perez, Sainz and Kvyat.
Oh dear. Perez is complaining that his fellow Panther needs to pick up his pace. How many times have we heard that line this year?
Ocon is all over Massa and passes the Brazilian who has yet to pit. He gets by, but the Williams driver retakes the position. At which point Perez joins in the fun and games.
Clearly not wanting to get involved in any Force India muck-ups, Massa pits, rejoining in 12th on ultras.
With an eye on the podium, Raikkonen shadows countryman Bottas, the pair separated by 2s. Verstappen is just 5s behind.
As Sainz and Kvyat close in, Perez' calls to Force India become ever more urgent.
"Sainz is coming," urges Perez. "Can you tell Esteban to let me by and I'll give the position back at the end? I have much more pace than this."
"We need more management, Esteban is doing the management," Perez is told, referring to his tyres.
"All good" reports Verstappen when asked about balance.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Austin, here.
Sainz passes Perez after a brief but forceful skirmish as Kvyat also lines up the Mexican.
"OK Max, let's push on now mate, try and pass Kimi." Kimi, however, is within DRS ranges of Bottas.
"OK, think about Plan B," urges Vettel, the German 6.4s down on his title rival.
Under pressure, Bottas locks-up as Raikkonen turns up the wick.
As Hamilton goes quickest in S1, Vettel is appraised of the battle behind him. "Try to hang in there," he is told.
Down in 16th, Hartley makes his second stop of the afternoon.
Verstappen pits again at the end of lap 37, switching to supersofts. He rejoins in 5th. "You know what we're up to, we need a big lap," the Dutchman is told.
Vettel pits at the end of lap 38, clearly reacting to Red Bull. He rejoins on supersofts ahead of Verstappen.
Hamilton reports that his tyres feel good, but will Mercedes need to react to Vettel's move. Likewise, Bottas and Raikkonen.
Massa passes Grosjean for tenth.
On fresh rubber, Verstappen posts a new fastest lap (38.060). That's 1.4s quicker than the pace at which Hamilton is lapping.
"We can catch all these guys, we can have some fun here Felipe," Massa is told.
Hamilton responds, going quickest in S1, but is still a second off Verstappen's pace. Then again, he is 23s clear of his title rival.
Finally, Raikkonen makes his move, and despite his best efforts, the Iceman is through. A great move from the Ferrari driver.
"Nice work, nice work," Raikkonen is told.
In 6th place, Ocon is under pressure from Sainz.
Blue is the colour as the leaders wind their way through the backmarkers.
"I hope I'm not going to explode the front left, there's no more rubber," urges Grosjean.
Raikkonen isn't happy when told to manage his fuel having previous asked to fight Bottas.
Ericsson takes advantage of the moment Vettel laps Magnussen. Nipping though on the inside of the Haas, however the two touch sending the Haas into a spin.
As is so often the case, both drivers view the incident differently.
With 8 laps remaining, Vettel is fourth, 2.17s down on Bottas but with Raikkonen a further 1.7 up the road.
As the stewards reveal they are investigating the Magnussen and Ericsson incident, Ocon and Sainz resume hostilities.
Ericsson gets a 5s time penalty.
A new fastest lap, and race lap record, for Vettel on lap 49 (38.445).
As Vettel closes in on Bottas, Verstappen, just 1.6s behind, goes quickest in S1.
The German's first move is quickly rebuffed by the Finn. Somehow, he finally get by, even though it involved going through on the inside of Vandoorne at the same time. Brave stuff.
Now Verstappen closes in on the second Mercedes.
Vettel closes in on his Ferrari teammate who will obviously be asked to yield.
"Seb is now the car behind, Seb is the car behind," Raikkonen is told. Soon, Seb is the car in front.
Verstappen makes his move on Bottas and though they appear to touch and the Finn runs wide, the tyres on the Mercedes are shot, the Red Bull is through. Indeed, Bottas subsequently pits, rejoining in 5th.
13.1s up the road, it's in the bag for Hamilton, however, can Raikkonen hold off a charging Verstappen who is just 2.009s behind.
In the meantime, Massa has passed Kvyat for 9th and is now chasing down Perez.
As Hamilton begins his final lap, Verstappen is told: "You'll get one shot as this".
He is 0.455s down on Raikkonen, who is 0.904 down on Vettel.
A brilliant move sees Verstappen nail Raikkonen to take third, the Dutchman clearly barging his way through on the inside in T18, all four wheels seeming to exceed the limit, leaving the Iceman with no option but to back out.
Hamilton takes the flag, and while Vettel does indeed keep the title fight going until at least Mexico, the gap has extended from 59 to 66.
While it's the usual, "woo-hoo", "thanks guys" and all that from Hamilton, you'd think that Verstappen had won the race, if not the title.
"Yes! Yes!" he shouts. "That was a good one! That was a great race, I really enjoyed that one!" "Max Verstappen you are fantastic!" purrs Christian Horner.
"Tough race," says Vettel. "How did he get him?" he adds referring to his teammate's demise.
As the drivers climb from their cars, Hamilton running to his crew, the stewards announce that Verstappen has indeed been handed a time penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track during the move on Raikkonen. As a result the Red Bull driver drops to 4th.
However, even though there are two Ferrari drivers on the podium, Mercedes has secured its fourth successive constructors' title.
Bottas is fifth, ahead of Ocon, Sainz, Perez, Massa and Kvyat, the Russian claiming a much needed point on his return.
Stroll is eleventh, ahead of Vandoorne, Hartley, Grosjean, Ericsson and Magnussen.
In the ante room, Verstappen shakes Vettel's hand, the youngster reliving that moment. As the youngster towels down, the cameras cut to Kimi who is on his way up.
We've all been there... it's that awkward moment when the Ex arrives. As Kimi stands there, resplendent in red, Mas is advised of his emotion. He takes it remarkably well.
Vettel, meanwhile reveals that he didn't have an issue at the end he was merely trying to help Kimi with DRS.
Hamilton's trophy is presented by Bill Clinton, though we're sure in terms of what just happened to Mas a joke could be inserted somewhere there. Usain Bolt presents the winning team trophy.
Bolt also conducts the interviews, which are pretty much as usual... you know the form.
"Not the result we wanted," admits Vettel, which pretty much sums it up.
Having poured Champagne down Bolt's back, Hamilton asks to be shown to do the sprinter's trademark lightning gesture.
And so it's on to Mexico... just seven days away.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Austin, here.