F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Austin Speed Trap: who is the fastest of them all?

Austin's Circuit of the Americas has more fast corners than Spa and more slow corners than the Hungaroring, a blend that somewhat compromises top speed numbers.

While not a power thirsty track, Austin still includes two long straights that showcase an engine's might clout and muscle.

Cue Ferrari at this point you say? Well, yes and no.

The publication by the FIA on Saturday morning of a technical directive that clarifies a query from Red Bull on a potentially illicit fuel flow system that would help boost an engine's output, has many people believing that Ferrari - who may have been using such a system - has conveniently lost power in Austin.

Interestingly, the Italian outfit's drivers weren't among the fastest cars in a straightline on the back straight at COTA, that feat achieved by Pierre Gasly's Honda-powered Toro Rosso.

However, as one can see below, Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc did top the speed trap readings in qualifying on the main straight.

So, are the suspicions directed at Ferrari based on fact or fake news? That question may never get an answer…

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Mekies: ‘We all agree’ F1 must bring back flat-out qualifying

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has made it clear: Formula 1 must rediscover the…

7 hours ago

‘Rusty, me?’: Perez fires back at Andretti’s Cadillac claim

Sergio Perez isn’t taking lightly the suggestion that his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac…

8 hours ago

Formula 1’s heartfelt gift to new dad Fernando Alonso

While Aston Martin’s F1 car is currently giving Fernando Alonso some massive engine vibrations and…

9 hours ago

Hill says unhappy Verstappen ‘should stop and do something else’

For a driver who has spent years bending F1 to his will, Max Verstappen suddenly…

11 hours ago

‘He’s up against it’: Brundle fears Sainz facing career dead end in F1

For Carlos Sainz, what was meant to be a strong second season at Williams is…

12 hours ago

Alonso’s brutal verdict: ‘High-speed corners now charging stations’

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has delivered another withering verdict on Formula 1’s 2026 regulations…

13 hours ago