US Grand Prix tips, predictions and best bets: Lewis Hamilton to get back on the podium in Texas
Lewis Hamilton
F1 returns for a second trip Stateside in 2023 for the US Grand Prix this weekend, and while both titles are now wrapped up, there’s still plenty to be decided for the rest of the season.
The Circuit of The Americas has become a hugely popular venue in Formula 1 over the past decade, with over 400,000 spectators having passed through the gates last year in a record attendance in Austin.
Another Sprint weekend will add an extra dimension to proceedings as Max Verstappen simply adds gloss to his World Championship glory, but the chasing pack behind are furiously scrapping away to be best of the rest at COTA.
Here are Planet Sport's predictions and tips for the United States Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton – podium finish
After crashing out at Turn 1 in Qatar, no-one will want to get back on the podium more than Lewis Hamilton this weekend.
His record at Austin is incredibly impressive too, winning five of the first six races at COTA and only once having finished off the podium in 10 starts in Texas (even then, he finished fourth back in 2013).
Mercedes are set to bring their final upgrade package of the season as well this weekend, so they could bring more of a challenge to the McLaren duo in front of them.
Yuki Tsunoda – points finish
It might not be too wise to expect too much of Daniel Ricciardo as he’s expected to get back behind the wheel this weekend after several races on the sidelines, but AlphaTauri have picked up pace of late, and Yuki Tsunoda could be well-placed to make the most of it.
The speed of their car has noticeably improved over the past few races and, now that his future is secure for next year and he can relax a little, he’s due a bit of luck – and a strong showing to boot.
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Haas – double points finish
A massive outside shout, but the American team has been planning big upgrades to come to Austin this weekend.
If they have the desired effect, this could make them more competitive than they have been for much of the season so far – particularly if they have the kind of jump McLaren had in Austria in one go.
Far from guaranteed, but the Haas cars are expected to look significantly different this weekend, and not just for their star-spangled United States livery change.