After a week’s break, Formula 1 returns for the 2022 United States Grand Prix this weekend.
This will be F1’s second visit to the US this year following the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, which took place in May.
With Max Verstappen securing his second Drivers’ Championship in as many years, the attention in Austin will mainly center around Red Bull, with the Milton Keynes-based outfit needing a win to secure their first Constructors’ Championship since 2013.
Considering they’ve won the last seven races on the trot, the odds should favor the Red Bull team to secure their fifth Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship double.
With the last two Grand Prix run in wet conditions, the weather will inevitably play a key role in determining the race’s outcome.
Friday, Practice 1 and Practice 2
Unfortunately for fans, the race at the Circuit of The Americas is likely to be a dry affair with the rain not predicted to hit the circuit until Monday, if it does at all.
Temperatures are set to peak at 29 degrees Celsius on Friday with the drivers set to face hot and humid conditions when they undertake their first two practice sessions.
With the chance of precipitation pegged at 0%, it is unlikely that either the teams or drivers will face any surprises in terms of the weather.
Saturday, Practice 3 and Qualifying
The heat and humidity are set to increase on Saturday with the circuit facing air temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius, with the humidity going up by 13 percentage points to 53%.
While the chance of rain is estimated to be 10%, it would be hopeful to expect anything other than a dry qualifying session on Saturday.
Sunday, Race
Sunday’s race is set to mirror the conditions from Friday and Saturday with the air temperature staying steady at 32 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the humidity will increase by four percentage points to 57%.
While the chance of increasing to 31%, it is likely that rain will affect the race itself with the showers set to take place between Sunday night and Monday morning.
Nevertheless, the race should be an exciting affair with the unique nature of the COTA circuit with its undulating corners set to be a challenge for all 20 drivers on the grid.
