mercedes team f1 car on the austin circuit with rolax sign above

THE AUSTIN GRAND PRIX: SUNDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2023

Circuit of the Americas

"It is of course disappointing to be disqualified post-race but that doesn't take away from the progress we've made this weekend." (Lewis Hamilton)

So Close But No Cigar

In a thrilling showdown at the United States Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton found himself in a fierce battle with Max Verstappen, with only a two-second gap separating them at the finish line. However, after the race concluded, Hamilton's car faced disqualification due to excessive wear on the underfloor skid blocks, leaving him empty-handed.

The sudden turn of events reshuffled the race results, promoting McLaren's Lando Norris to the second spot and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to third. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, displayed exceptional composure as he navigated the challenging Circuit of the Americas, ultimately clinching his 50th career victory.

Hamilton's Disqualification: A Twist in the Tale

Hamilton's disqualification added a layer of complexity to the race, especially considering that Mercedes had been contemplating a potential victory had they adopted a different strategy. The underfloor skid blocks, responsible for preventing cars from running too low for aerodynamic advantages, were the culprits that led to Hamilton's downfall.

Mercedes had attempted a one-stop strategy, while Verstappen and Norris had opted for a two-stop approach. Unfortunately, this decision proved to be costly, causing Hamilton to lose time and ultimately the race victory.


red bull team taking car of their f1 car in the pits

The Tight Race: Verstappen's Triumph

Despite a less dominant Red Bull, Verstappen's win was hard-earned. Starting from the sixth position, he swiftly overtook his competitors, including George Russell, to establish himself at the front of the pack. Norris had initially taken the lead, but Verstappen relentlessly closed the gap, passing Norris for the lead on lap 28.

Hamilton's challenging one-stop strategy caused him to lose valuable seconds to Verstappen. Although he attempted to close the gap, he couldn't quite catch the race leader. The race concluded with Verstappen securing his victory, showcasing the grit and determination that have propelled him to the forefront of Formula 1.

Hamilton's Disappointment

Mercedes made strategic errors during the race that cost them the potential win they had hoped for. Hamilton's disqualification further complicated the situation, although it was evident that Mercedes had made significant progress with their car, featuring its latest major upgrade of the season.

In retrospect, the disqualification and strategic missteps have left the team reevaluating their approach to ensure they make the most of their car's newfound pace in the upcoming races. This unforeseen turn of events in the United States Grand Prix has added even more excitement to this thrilling Formula 1 season.

With Verstappen securing his 50th career win and Mercedes aiming to bounce back stronger, the championship battle is more intense and unpredictable than ever. Formula 1 fans around the world eagerly await the next race to see which team and driver will emerge victorious in the ongoing battle for supremacy on the track.


mercedes team formula one car with texas flag flying