There are many talking points from the recent race at Austin, Texas. From the fight at the front, to the battle throughout the midfield, and the physical battle that many drivers had to fight throughout the Grand Prix. Yet, many things flew under the radar – like Charles Leclerc’s drive to fourth. On the other hand, many things have been well publicised like Sergio Perez’ battle with dehydration and illness, which was also affecting the eventual race winner – Max Verstappen.
Starting with Leclerc. Ferrari have without any shadow of a doubt made a leap forward in terms of performance since their recent power unit upgrade. After falling back from McLaren during the middle part of the season, the famous Italian team are now on the front foot, when it comes to form, in the battle for third.
The US Grand Prix saw both Ferrari’s and McLaren’s battling each other for the entirety of the race, especially with Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo. As Lando Norris fell behind, Leclerc was able to maintain his fourth place grid position in the opening stages, and was set for a relatively dull race. But, that is what he would have wished for. Finishing just ten seconds shy from the Red Bull of Perez, picking up an important 12 points, but gapped fifth placed Ricciardo by 24 seconds – showing just how strong his performance was. Considering his teammate, Sainz, finished down in seventh and 31s adrift, it was not a bad day for the Monegasque man.
Yes, Sainz did find himself stuck behind the McLaren of Ricciardo and then received some front wing damage after attempting a move on the Aussie which saw his pace drop, which left him more then vulnerable to Valtteri Bottas who made his way through on the final lap.
But still, Leclerc more then maximised his opportunity when it mattered. According to reports, their recent hybrid system is worth an extra 0.150s a lap. Which is no surprise, since receiving the upgrade, Leclerc’s name has either been in or just behind the podium places. You have to think, with Mexico upcoming, Ferrari will not be too shabby at all – especially with the length of the main straight, compounded with their new advantage over McLaren.
Red Bull had a rough Sunday, despite victory and double podium
Verstappen produced a champions esque performance to hold off Lewis Hamilton to secure the victory for him and his team, whilst Sergio Perez made it a comfortable double Red Bull podium with third place.
That’s what it says on paper, but it was anything but comfortable.
Physically, both were in a battle. Perez reported on the radio on the grid, before lights out, that his drink system had failed. This prompted a quick response by Red Bull – who have been become well known for their quick response and repair time. At the time, it seemed the issue was sorted.
It was not however. From the second the five lights went out, to the moment he crossed the finish line, the Mexican driver had no drink. Which, in hand, invited the use of the known Kimi Raikkonen ‘drincc’ meme. But, for some, they cannot be bothered to actually use that meme again…
Anyway, what is ironic is Perez had to drive under a sign that said promoted the message of never drinking and driving on the approach to turn 11. At least he was taking that very seriously.
Post race, Perez was shattered and understandably so. To make matters worse, he had been caught by an illness in the morning of the Grand Prix. From lap 20 onwards, Perez start to struggle with his ever heavier hands and feet, along with a deteriorating vision as his dehydration levels dropped.
Unfortunately for him, this all happened to happen at one of the most physical tracks, with some of the toughest temperatures.
It was not just this one driver in the Red Bull team who was suffering. The other driver was caught as well. Although, you would not have suspected such a thing with Verstappen considering his high levels of performance in the race.
According to Helmut Marko, Verstappen struggled with stomach problems in the morning, taking to plenty of drink and a breathing technique in an attempt to aid the problems. If anything, it makes the Dutchman’s race winning performance even more powerful.
Perez’ third place also looks rather astonishing considering his battle with illness along with a failed drink system. At least Verstappen was able to keep hydrated, which is important as the self dubbed ‘Chief Hydration Officer’.
However, it is also a great shame for ‘Checo’. Before his body started to fade pre lap 20, Perez found himself less then four seconds adrift of the leading two, the closest he has been since his sole victory this season in Baku – before playing a fundamental part in the teams strategy for the first set of pit stops.
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