'This track is Verstappen's cup of tea'
- GPblog.com
According to analyst Ho-Pin Tung, there is only one logical winner of the United States Grand Prix: Max Verstappen. Speaking to Nu.nl, the former driver explains why this circuit will suit Verstappen so well.
The Formula 1 circus moves to America this week for the second time this season. Having already driven on the Miami street circuit in May, it is now the turn of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA for short) in Texas. Viaplay and nu.nl analyst Tung thinks COTA is a technically complicated circuit, and thinks that this is precisely why Verstappen is the die-hard winner.
"The tyre wear there is also always substantial. That has to do with the combination of fast corners and slow corners where you have to accelerate out. The asphalt and the temperature also affect that, of course. Because of all these factors and the layout, you could almost say this track is tailor-made for Red Bull and Verstappen. I would be very surprised if Verstappen does not win on Sunday.
Red Bull could clinch constructors' title
Since the Dutchman has already won the championship, it makes no difference to the drivers' standings whether Verstappen wins the race or not. But for Red Bull, the stakes are even higher. This weekend, the Austrian racing stable can claim the constructors' title again for the first time since 2013, after it went to Mercedes for eight seasons. To do so, Red Bull does not necessarily have to win, but more importantly it must ensure that Ferrari does not overtake by more than 18 points.