F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Raikkonen: Austin layout makes for ‘exciting’ races

Ferrari star Kimi Raikkonen says he likes the layout of the Circuit of the Americas, home of the United States Grand Prix, as it makes for ‘exciting’ races in Austin.

COTA has been hosting F1 since 2012 and quickly become a popular track among teams and drivers with its uphill first corner, flowing corners, and elevation changes.

Despite never finishing higher than sixth in four attempts, Raikkonen is a fan of the Texan venue.

“It’s a nice circuit” the 2007 world champion said. “They put a good design in it, plus it has uphill sections and it’s not just flat. I think it makes it more interesting.

“Obviously it’s possible to overtake during the race but it’s quite a short uphill for this. It helps to slow down the car and with the braking, but the corner is not the easiest one. However, it’s a good circuit for making an exciting race.”

Raikkonen adds that local fans are owed a good show after the 2015 washout.

“Austin is a nice city, a nice place for the US Grand Prix with a lot of people.

“Last year we had a very bad weather during most of the weekend. It was not very nice for any of us, drivers and spectators.”

TECHNICAL - Turbulent Jet Ignition: In the antechamber of F1 power

FEATURE: Where and why has Williams been caught out

F1i Classic - Masten Gregory - The 'Kansas City flash'

Silbermann investigates the potential EU threat to F1's Liberty Media deal

2017 F1 driver line-ups so far

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

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

De la Rosa: Stroll ‘unbeatable in many corners’ – as fast as Alonso

Formula 1 paddock PR is notorious for its ability to stretch reality, but Aston Martin…

23 minutes ago

Leclerc singles out Ferrari car's qualifying conundrum

Ferrari may not have a fundamental speed problem with its SF-26, but Charles Leclerc believes…

2 hours ago

Verstappen unleashes mayhem in wild 100-kart challenge

Max Verstappen was given 100 amateur karters to chase down at Silverstone on Wednesday. What…

3 hours ago

Nine-year-old Jack Wolff claims first karting championship

There was another Wolff celebrating a a win, and even a championship, last weekend –…

19 hours ago

Stella reveals McLaren’s ‘clear agenda’ to unlock Piastri

Oscar Piastri appears stuck in a relative rut when it comes to his current performance…

20 hours ago

Red Bull lifts lid on ‘complex issue’ impacting Verstappen

There is something lurking beneath the surface of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull RB22 — and…

22 hours ago