US Grand Prix – The 2024 Formula One season returned with a bang over the weekend to thrill fans in Austin as the US Grand Prix took centre stage.
Read on as we look at three major talking points from the race. Starting with a controversial moment between two title contenders.
Norris and Verstappen Engage in a Controversial Battle for Supremacy
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren star Lando Norris engaged in a battle for the ages. That controversially culminated in a penalty for the British driver.
The pair initially ran wide at the first corner, allowing Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc to take the lead early on, and the Ferrari ace held on to secure the win.
Later in the race, Norris desperately tried to overtake Verstappen around the outside at Turn 12. Verstappen forced him wide and Norris had to exceed the track limits to avoid a collision.
Verstappen immediately complained to his team on the radio, and the stewards subsequently handed Norris a five-second penalty that dropped him from third to fourth place.
The reigning champion now has a 57-point lead over Norris. But the manner of this result understandably left a sour taste with the McLaren team.
Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri publicly questioned the stewards and their inconsistencies where Verstappen is concerned are becoming tiresome.
Piastri Secures Fifth Place Finish After Tricky Race in US Grand Prix
Piastri quietly secured a fifth-place finish but was disappointed after failing to clinch a podium spot.
The talented Australian driver went into the race confident following his recent results. He has been remarkably consistent while showing signs of a championship winning mentality.
Piastri had to defend his position after starting fifth on the grid. He stayed within touching distance of his teammate despite their tyre management issues.
The McLaren star described the race as ‘tricky’, but his performance showed his growth as a driver. He recovered from a poor starting position to maintain fourth place in the championship.
While McLaren are prioritising Norris as they bid to win their first world title since 2008. Piastri has been showing he has what it takes to spearhead the team.
The Australian driver will look to strut his stuff again this weekend at the Mexican GP. Where he is one of the bookmakers’ favourites to win the race.
Piastri is a 9/1 shot to win the race and plenty of punters in Australia will be logging into the best betting app to wager on their compatriot this weekend.
Odds of 6/4 to secure a podium finish also have plenty of appeal and could reward Aussie bettors who take that slightly safer route.
F1 Scraps Points for Fastest Lap in New Rule Change
While most of the focus in Austin was on the track, Formula 1 bosses announced a rule change which could significantly impact races from 2025 onwards.
The FIA confirmed the bonus point usually awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap will be removed from next year, leading to uproar.
The bonus point rule was introduced in 2019 and has influenced strategy over the years. With drivers pitting late in the race to take the extra point, sometimes even at the cost of their overall position.
This rule change comes after Daniel Ricciardo’s antics at the Singapore GP. The recently dismissed Australian driver had a tough outing on the Marina Bay Street Circuit but took the fastest lap.
He denied Norris a bonus point that impacted his title challenge. And the FIA have moved swiftly to ensure that races remain fair and competitive.
Their decision has been met with pushback from teams and fans. As it alters the dynamics of race strategies and the overall landscape.
Fans claim removing the fastest lap point diminishes the thrilling late-race sprints. But the FIA has insisted the races will be more straightforward.
The rule changes don’t stop there. The FIA will also require teams to field a young driver in free practice sessions two times per season instead of just once as they look to develop future talents.