ams F1 photos GP USA 2018 (Wednesday)
17.10.2018
W he comes to Texas who is expecting actually sun and warm temperatures. But unfortunately there was no on Wednesday - and there probably won't be for the rest of the weekend either. The thermometer showed a mere 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 ° C) when we took our first walk through the pit lane. In addition, an ice-cold breeze was blowing over the plains around Austin.
However, you had to be happy that it wasn't raining from the thick, dark gray cloud cover. At the beginning of the week there was still so heavy rainfall in the region that some tunnel entrances to the route were completely flooded and had to be pumped free.
McLaren brings a new nose
ams
McLaren is taking a step back with the nose . The side strips have disappeared.
Fortunately, the preparations in the paddock and on the track were not affected by the adverse conditions. The mechanics braved the freezing cold with thick jackets and winter hats. Despite the hard work, nobody worked up a sweat during the preparations for the race weekend.
For observers, there were already some interesting things to discover on Wednesday. Upon arrival in the paddock, we were surprisingly able to recognize the Mercedes in individual parts. But on closer inspection, the Silver Arrow chassis only turned out to be a cheap show model that was maneuvered into the Paddock Club for the VIP guests.
But we were looking for technology upgrades at McLaren find it. Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne get a new nose for the Austin race. The vertical bars that were attached to the side of the front structure are nowdropped out. The innovative idea was obviously not the last word.
Anti-Verstappen curbs
ams
The pilots can no longer cut corners 16 and 17 inside.
Upgrades were also made to the track. The fans will surely remember the race last year, when Max Verstappen overtook Kimi Raikkonen outside the track on the last lap. Third place was subsequently stripped of the Dutchman, which led to a lot of discussions.
This year the FIA wants to save itself the trouble. In the elongated curve around the COTA Tower, two additional curbs have now been installed on the inside next to the track to prevent the curve from being cut. We are curious to see whether the pilots will let themselves be slowed down by the plastic bulges.
In the gallery we show you the first pictures from the track in Austin.
