The Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas is fast becoming one of my favourite circuits in the F1 calendar despite only holding two Grand Prix so far.
It’s technical corners and fast straights lend themselves to plenty of battles as drivers try to out beak each other into corners and take advantage of the DRS zones on the straightaways.This year provided plenty of action as the calendar draws to a close in the penultimate race of the season and drivers jockey for results to land then seats in next years championship.
One battle of note was between Red Bulls Mark Webber and Lotus driver Roman Grosjean. Webber chasing down the Frenchman in the final stages of the GP. Grosjean, however, holding off the Australian to come in second to Sebastian Vettel and denying Red Bull of yet another one, two finish.
Meanwhile Vettel remained unchallenged though out the race in a commanding drive. This 8th consecutive win now elevates him above Michael Schumacher and Alberto Ascari in straight race wins in one season and brings his total to 12th win in the season.
Team Principal Christian Horner spoke afterwards about the emotion for the young German driver.
“He was pretty emotional at the end of the race because he’d beaten the record of one of his idols [Schumacher]. It seemed unlikely that kind of record would be beaten. To win eight consecutive races, to have won every race since July, is mind blowing, especially when you consider the quality of opposition we’re up against it.”
The joy and emotional weight was evident in Sebastian’s comments after the race,
“I’m speechless.We have to remember these days. There’s no guarantee they will last. I love this team. Incredible, I love you guys.”
The F1 calendar now turns its eyes on the final race in Brazil in a weeks time.
Final results:
1. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault 56 laps 1hr 39m 17.148s
3. Romain Grosjean France Lotus-Renault +00m 06.2s
2. Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault +00m 08.3s
4. Lewis Hamilton Britain Mercedes-Mercedes +00m 27.3s
5. Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari-Ferrari +00m 29.5s
6. Nico Hulkenberg Germany Sauber-Ferrari +00m 30.4s
7. Sergio Perez Mexico McLaren-Mercedes +00m 46.6s
8. Valtteri Bottas Finland Williams-Renault +00m 54.5s
9. Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes-Mercedes +00m 59.1s
10. Jenson Button Britain McLaren-Mercedes +01m 17.2s
11. Daniel Ricciardo Australia Toro Rosso-Ferrari +01m 21.0s
12. Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari +01m 26.9s
13. Esteban Gutierrez Spain Sauber-Ferrari +01m 31.7s
14. Heikki Kovalainen Finand Lotus-Renault +01m 35.0s
15. Paul di Resta Britain Force India-Mercedes +01m 36.8s
16. Jean-Eric Vergne France Toro Rosso-Ferrari +01m 44.5s*
17. Pastor Maldonado Venezuela Williams-Renault +1 lap
18. Jules Bianchi France Marussia-Cosworth +1 lap
19. Giedo van der Garde Holland Caterham-Renault +1 lap
20. Charles Pic France Caterham-Renault +1 lap
21. Max Chilton Britain Marussia-Cosworth +2 laps
Rtd Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes +56 laps
Fastest lap:
Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault 1m 39.856s lap 54
All results unofficial, Times and photos via Crash.net