Formula 1 head into the final six races of the 2016 World Championship, with the Circuit of America’s a favourite on the calendar, each driver has chosen their favourite moment in Austin.
Since the first race in 2012, COTA has become a fan favourite with exciting action and overtaking gripping the fans to their seats.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has had some good memories of racing in Austin after winning the first race in Austin and winning his third championship last year.
“I have good memories at COTA. Winning the first Grand Prix there was pretty awesome and overtaking the Red Bull but I think the greatest one was winning the World Championship their last year.”
Meanwhile teammate Nico Rosberg has had mixed results in America with his best moment being away from the track.
“My best memory was actually singing on the Sunday night last year with my team in Pete’s Piano bar in downtown Austin. It was a lot of fun!”
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel has been strong in Austin winning in 2013 and has enjoyed the track layout and atmosphere, “I have enjoyed some fun races in Austin over the last 4 years, the track layout is a real challenge and very satisfying when you get that perfect lap for pole, but my best memory is the victory in 2013 – my only victory SO FAR in Austin, but it was my 8th consecutive win that season! The crowd were so enthusiastic for all the drivers, but I really appreciated their support on that day.”
On the other hand, Kimi Raikkonen has struggled in Austin but praises the support from the American fans.
“Unfortunately, I have not had great success on track in Austin, but I still have some great memories of the city, and especially the fans. I have had so much support from all sorts of folk in Austin, and the town seems to come alive for race week, which makes it a real pleasure.”
Both Red Bull drivers are relatively inexperienced in Austin but have some great memories of the circuit and the atmosphere.
Daniel Ricciardo was pleased to be on the podium in 2014, “The podium in 2014 was great as a result, but my favourite memory was probably the first weekend there in 2012. Being in a new city for the first time and driving on a new track exceeded all my expectations.”
Max Verstappen finished a brilliant fourth in Austin last time out for the Toro Rosso team, “Last year finishing fourth under difficult circumstances was a very nice feeling. I love America, they have good food and great people, so I am happy to be going back there.”
