Max Verstappen can crown himself again. This time with the team. Red Bull is poised to win the Constructors' World Championship at the US Grand Prix. But that's not the only thing keeping Formula 1 racing in Austin.
The frightening pictures from the rainy Suzuka should also play a major role in sunny Texas. Likewise, the future of Mick Schumacher in his team's home race is still open.
What else is there to win?
Nothing short of a title. In 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Mercedes won the Constructors' Championship. From the prestige behind the drivers' standings, from the financial importance in front of it. The ranking serves as the distribution key for the TV funds. And this year, the coronation return of the former series triumphant Red Bull is also imminent. Red Bull last won the Team World Championship in 2013. With a 165-point lead over Ferrari, the team arrives with a commanding lead. After the race, there are still 147 points left over the Scuderia, so the next title party is perfect.
And it's also a record. In 2004, Michael Schumacher won 13 races in a Ferrari in his last year as world champion. Sebastian Vettel succeeded in 2013 in the Red Bull, also in his last title year. Max Verstappen, the old and since Japan a week and a half new champion, has won twelve races of the season so far. If he wins in Austin, he draws level with Schumacher and Vettel - and then has three more opportunities to overtake them.
What's next for Mick Schumacher in his team's home race?
Mick Schumacher is not to be envied. Team boss Günther Steiner is now even praising and ensnaring a pilot in Daniel Ricciardo, who doesn't seem to have any interest in Haas. And he also speaks bluntly about contact with Nico Hülkenberg and the feeling that the fire is still burning in the 35-year-old. For Mick Schumacher there is only one realization: he has to deliver.
The announcement comes from the team owner: Schumacher alone decides on a new contract, but with results. The team boss agrees: Points are needed. The car has slowed down over the course of the season, but Mick Schumacher has improved after mistakes and expensive accidents. It is definitely remarkable that four races should now be the evidence for the final assessment after almost two years together. In any case, the racing team completely shifts the pressure on to Schumacher.
Can an aftermath be expected because of the salvage crane incident in Japan?
Guaranteed. Drivers will no doubt raise the issue at Friday's meeting. They had already done it in Japan after a similar incident is said to have occurred in Singapore. The fact that a tow truck was parked on the Suzuka track while cars hit it in the opposite direction caused horror and anger. It is about nothing less than the health and lives of the pilots.
What makes the race in Austin special?
It's going to be a Formula 1 festival again. Austin's entry had once been viewed with suspicion. That was in 2012. Since then, the course has more than established itself in Texas. A spectacular series, pathos, action and a show program of superlatives. This time, Ed Sheeran tops the notable list of artists. And that pulls: 400,000 spectators are expected at the weekend.
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