F1 in Texas: One more race and we’ll have a new champion

Key facts

• Formula 1 returned to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
• The track combines varied corner speeds, braking zones, and elevation changes.
• COTA has become bumpier each year, with significant bumps in three key braking zones.
• Audi F1 team is in its first year as a constructor and is consistently fighting for points.
• The team brought aerodynamic upgrades to COTA for testing.

Formula 1 returned to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, for its annual race. COTA, a permanent track designed by Kevin Schwanz, features a mix of corner speeds, braking zones, and elevation changes. The track surface has become bumpier over the years, particularly in the braking zones, which can affect car consistency. Allan McNish, racing director for the Audi F1 team, discussed these track characteristics and the team's progress. Audi, in its first year as an official constructor, is consistently fighting for points and brought aerodynamic upgrades to COTA for testing.