Formula 1 fans in the United States were treated to a thrilling spectacle at the U.S. Grand Prix, as Ferrari secured its first one-two finish on American soil since 2006, while Haas celebrated its best-ever home result. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, proved to be the perfect stage for a weekend full of drama, strategy, and excitement.
Ferrari’s last US one-two came in the 2006 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis, when Michael Schumacher led home Felipe Massa. Fast forward to 2024, and Ferrari was once again the team to beat in America. Charles Leclerc took the top spot, with Carlos Sainz finishing right behind him in second. This marked Ferrari’s first victory on American soil in 17 years and their first one-two finish since the 2022 season.
Leclerc, who started from pole position after a stunning qualifying session, managed to fend off pressure from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Throughout the race, Ferrari’s strategy and tire management were on point, enabling Leclerc to maintain his lead and bring home his first victory of the season. For Sainz, it was a consistent and solid race, where he kept Verstappen at bay during key moments, ensuring Ferrari’s double podium.
This triumph was not only a historic moment for Ferrari but also a statement of intent for the remainder of the season. After years of battling for consistency, Ferrari’s resurgence in America could signal a turnaround in their championship hopes.
For Haas, the only American team on the grid, the 2024 U.S. Grand Prix was nothing short of a breakthrough. The team secured its best-ever home result, with Nico Hülkenberg finishing sixth and Kevin Magnussen crossing the line in eighth. This double-points finish marked a huge step forward for the team, especially in front of their home crowd.
Haas has often struggled to find consistency and has frequently languished in the midfield or lower end of the grid. However, at COTA, the team looked more competitive than ever, capitalizing on a solid qualifying performance and avoiding the race-day chaos that affected several other teams. Hülkenberg, known for his technical driving and vast experience, made the most of the team’s strategic calls, staying out of trouble and securing critical points.
For Kevin Magnussen, it was a hard-fought battle to finish in eighth, but his aggressive overtakes and defensive driving were key in helping Haas secure its best result in a U.S. race. The team has made significant strides in 2024, with updates to their car beginning to pay off. Team principal Guenther Steiner hailed the result as a pivotal moment for Haas, especially as they look to build momentum for future races.
Ferrari’s one-two finish and Haas’s strong showing in Austin have several implications for both teams moving forward. For Ferrari, this victory provides a massive boost in confidence as they try to close the gap with Red Bull and Mercedes in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Although Verstappen and Hamilton remain strong contenders, this performance in the U.S. shows that Ferrari has the pace to challenge at the front of the grid.
For Haas, this result signifies a potential turning point. The team has struggled in recent years, but their performance in Austin could inspire a late-season surge as they aim for higher midfield positions. A double-points finish on home soil will undoubtedly lift the morale of the team, especially as they continue to develop their car and refine their strategies for the future.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, the question now is whether Ferrari can build on this historic result and continue to push for more wins. With races in Mexico and Brazil coming up, the team will be looking to carry this momentum forward. For Haas, the next step is consistency. After their best-ever home result, the challenge will be to replicate this kind of performance on other circuits where they may not have the same advantages.
In any case, the 2024 U.S. Grand Prix will go down as a significant milestone for both Ferrari and Haas. While Ferrari’s victory harkens back to the days of Schumacher’s dominance, Haas’s best-ever finish signals that the American team may be on the verge of breaking into the upper echelons of Formula 1.
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