COTA Track Analysis: conditions push limits of cars in Austin

COTA Track Analysis: conditions push limits of cars in Austin | 2023 F1 USA GP. Circuit of the Americas Track Analysis ahead of the 2023 F1 United States GP.

The Formula 1 circus is gearing up for the tenth edition of the Austin GP, held at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a track inaugurated in 2012 and designed by Hermann Tilke. The track, located on the outskirts of the Texas capital, is becoming increasingly popular with American audiences and incorporates elements from famous historical circuits. The full lap measures 5.513 km and features 20 turns, including 11 left-handers. There are two designated DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones on the start-finish straight and between turns 11 and 12. The COTA outing doesn’t pose significant challenges for Brembo’s braking systems. Now, let’s examine the characteristics and challenges of the Austin GP in our track analysis at COTA (Circuit of the Americas).

Sector 1
The COTA lap begins shortly after turn 20, leading to a long uphill straight before turn 1. There’s an elevation change of about 22 meters over 200 linear meters. Immediately from here, a steep descent takes the drivers toward the snake section. The stretch from turn 2 to 9 represents the biggest challenge on the track. The asphalt here is quite bumpy and can potentially cause problems for cars with low ground clearance. A stable front end capable of precise turn-ins is crucial to avoid missing the racing line through this series of turns. Additionally, a strong rear end is needed to support the car as it progresses. At turn 6, where sector 1 concludes, it’s important to avoid excessive corner cutting to avoid track limits violations.

Analysis of the Second Sector of the COTA in Austin

The second intermediate section of the American track starts with turns 7-8 and 9, which are taken on a slight incline. Particular attention is needed on the exit (blind) from turn 9, where it’s easy to exceed the track limits, resulting in lap time deletions. From here, there’s a descent leading to the left hairpin before the long straight. Turn 11 is one of the points where the brakes could lock due to weight transfers caused by the downhill slope. Once on the straight, drivers can shift into top gear and reach speeds of around 320-330 km/h with the DRS open. Upon reaching turn 12, the brakes are put under significant stress, resulting in approximately 5 G of deceleration due to the tight left turn that follows.

Sector 3
Exiting turn 12 opens up the final part of the track, which is the slowest of the three sectors. Turns 13-14 and 15 are quite technical, requiring a car with a well-pointed front end to prevent understeer during passage. From turn 15, it’s important to exit as early as possible to set up well for the wide right-hand turn that’s taken in one continuous motion. This is followed by turn 19, a fast left turn that pushes the drivers to the outside with a high risk of exceeding the track limits.