America: pre-qualifying 2024

The Circuit of the Americas is a very good circuit, sadly besmirched by the money-grubbing nonsense of the sprint this year.

I think I’m going to follow my 2024 habit of not bothering to watch it. While very useful for assessing pace, this information can almost always be gleaned from reports and highlights.


Anyway, first practice had Sainz and Leclerc lead the way for Ferrari, followed by title rivals Verstappen and Norris. Piastri, Hamilton, and Russell came next, with Magnussen, Alonso, and Tsunoda finishing off the top 10.

Sprint qualifying was quite otherwise. Verstappen got pole, followed by Russell, and Leclerc. Norris was only 4th, so if it finishes that way then this sprint bullshit may be what effectively ends Norris’ title aspirations. Sainz and Hulkenberg (!) came next, then Hamilton and Magnussen (!). Tasty for Haas.

Perez was down in 11th and Piastri an abysmal 16th due to exceeding track limits. Worth noting Norris and the Ferraris were covered by four-hundredths.


Sainz is 15 to top actual qualifying, which I think is worth backing each way (boosted to 16).

Qualifying is, tediously, on at 11pm.


Morris Dancer

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