The COTA or otherwise Circuit of the Americas is a very tough challenge for race car drivers whether it is Formula 1 or NASCAR. Every driver struggles on this particular race track due to its tough turns and wide corners. Formula 1 has become more popular in the United States thanks to the Netflix documentary ‘Drive to Survive’. But ‘COTA’ has played a very important role in bringing Formula 1 to US people. The circuit was specially designed to bring a wonderful experience for the fans.
COTA has many wide corners and elevations which will test the drivers to their core and fans will also have a nice watching experience as they can see every car racing in the corners. COTA helped to regain American presence in Formula 1 after 7 years away from the country.
Other than Formula 1 COTA hosts multiple series of motorsports like FIA World Endurance Series, MotoGP and NASCAR. Though Circuit of the Americas gives an amazing experience to the fans, drivers who race here will be grilled down by the track layout. There are many challenges for the drivers and let's check out each one of them.
Get ready for a Bumpy ride!
The track will give the drivers a full bumpy ride and even world champion Max Verstappen slammed the circuit for being so bumpy. He said the circuit is better suited for Rally cars than Formula 1 cars. Lewis Hamilton also had damage due to the bumps and retired early.
The cars undergo massive wear after the weekend due to many bumps which damage the floor and even proper Aerodynamics can't help you. The reason is due to excessive temperature in Texas the track shrinks massively making smaller bumps across many places.
‘Big Red’ Turn
The first turn in COTA is called ‘Big Red’ Turn named after Red McCombs who invested in the track during the early stages of its development. After the uphill sprint to gain first place drivers will need to turn in the blind hairpin bend.
Many drivers unable to control the car after the initial surge often move out of the track to avoid accidents and collisions. Fans are also very eager to sit in the straight stands of the 'Big Red' as they expect more action to happen in that particular spot.
COTA esses
The track contains many quick S bends which are called as 'COTA Esses' same as Silverstone in the UK. Many drivers lose traction in these esses and either collide with others or move out of the track. It is a spot where drivers with good grip fight the intense G forces and overtake others. We can expect more action in this spot.
Bobby Pin
In turn 11 we can see the 'Booby pin' another typical COTA Hairpin bend This is the Spot where the biggest straight of the US GP opens and the driver goes full flat out and reach up to 214 MPH and get ready to brake heavily at turn 12.
Best Overtake the spot in COTA
From turn 12 to turn 15 we can see the best live action if we are sitting on the track. Many drivers will look to take advantage of these turns which have wide corners and safe exits giving confidence to the drivers in taking some risks.
Short Sprint
After crossing Turn 15 drivers will then see exits around Turn 16 and Turn 18. This is also the place where the iconic observation tower of the COTA track is located. Here they can also enjoy a short sprint race to gain position.
The Andretti - Final Turn
It is the nail-biting final corner named after Mario Andretti. After this turn drivers will see the finish line so it is very important to approach this final corner with some caution as there is a lot of chance drivers could go wide of the track.
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