What’s different for this year’s US GP: Key changes done in COTA ahead of the race

The organizers of the COTA (Circuit of the Americas) have made many significant changes to the circuit before this year's United States Grand Prix this week. There are many high-speed corners and large run-off areas so many drivers often run wide of the track and it is very hard for FIA to take action against the drivers for crossing track limits. 

Track limit breach last year

Last year, the American team Haas raised the issue with the FIA as many of their rivals went beyond the track and passed them in Turn 6 at COTA. To counter this issue the organizers have made many changes to the COTA circuit. This will help them to identify track limit breaches and it will also help the stewards to take necessary action against the drivers who cross the limits.

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Narrow track this year

So Turns 6, 13, 14, and 15 were narrowed by 1.5 metres, and turf was made to control the drivers from breaching. There are also monitors and cameras placed in these identified areas to track the drivers. The circuit is one of those which hosts both Formula 1 and MotoGP races in a single year. To balance both these races balance measures are taken when changing the circuit measurements. So the track will be suitable for both MotoGP and Formula 1.

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The same kind of changes were made at the Red Bull ring in Austria where MotoGP and Formula 1 races happen each year. The United States Grand Prix organizers said, “There are some areas where it's hard because, if you run MotoGP and F1 on the same track, one wants gravel in an area where another one wouldn't. You can't have both, and you can't cut into the track and put in gravel, Then flip it back and hope it stays watertight when you have clay underneath it."

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Bump issues in the track

The track was also complained of being too bumpy and many drivers last year had floor damage which is unusual for a Formula 1 very low-slung car. Aston Martin driver Alonso, and Mercedes Driver Lewis Hamilton had Floor damage and they were forced to retire from the race. The world champion Max Verstappen slammed the track for not being up to the F1 Level. The COTA organization completely resurfaced the track to avoid bumps and they are hoping to get some positive news at this year's race in the track.

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