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The second practice session in the rain in Austin seemed to be a threat until Lewis Hamilton appeared for a 10-minute period, highlighting why he was about to win his fifth title of Formula 1 on a circuit that regularly dominates it.
With the surface soggy and slow, it seemed doubtful that Hamilton could even leave the garage. But, just minutes from Friday, he immediately made the best lap, one second, three seconds better than his rival Sebastian Vettel.
"You know, when you tell me to stay firm, I will not go. The 33-year-old told the team radio that he was quickly returning to the pits.
Moments after this statement of intent, it appeared that the stewards had imposed on Vettel a penalty of three places on the grid. champion closer to the title.
Hamilton was also the fastest opening test of about 1.3 seconds ahead of teammate Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas, with Vettel fifth on his Ferrari.
Vettel's punishment for his last mistake, just as Hamilton demonstrated his superiority was felt before Sunday's race.
The German was summoned to see the stewards after failing to slow down sufficiently during the red flag period at the first test session to allow the gravel to be cleared of the track. Although this is consistent with previous decisions for similar offenses, the result threatens to reduce the drama on Sunday.
An ideal scenario for Vettel will see him qualify in fourth place, but to keep his faint title hope, he can not afford to finish. below Hamilton.
Vettel criticized the decision. "I think I slowed down, I watched well what was going on. The rules are clear so we know it, "he told reporters." It's the first time we encounter this problem on a wet floor, where the goal is much slower.
After several days of heavy rains that caused severe flooding in cities west of Austin, the surface of the Texas capital circuit was slippery under a granite and drizzle sky during the first tests.
Hamilton strives this week to emphasize the importance of avoiding complacency. "The weather is lenient, our goal is simply to perform as in previous races, we do not think otherwise," he said.
Pictured standing in front of the Nasdaq site in Times Square. Earlier this week, for a photo, Hamilton seems to be a much more reliable bet than the stock market.
He has 67 points ahead of Vettel and he remains four races. The summer is fit as compelling as that of the Ferrari driver. Lewis Hamilton was the best in the rain on Friday, but conditions should improve for Sunday's race. "src =" https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6e38898f0ac03d560b22a4eb1817fb34740e319d/0_233_4313_2589/master/4313.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=89f2413eafdcbc08be5eefea86ee9f50 "/>
Lewis Hamilton was the best in the rain for qualifying on Friday, but conditions should improve for Sunday's race. . Photo: Darron Cummings / AP
Hamilton's success at Suzuka on October 7th was his sixth victory in seven races and he won the last four in Austin.
Aware of the fact that most of the United States is largely unaware or indifferent, the pop concerts of the US Grand Prix are promoted almost as heavy as the race itself. For many spectators, the event is not defined by Hamilton nor Vettel, but by singers such as Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake.
This year, Britney Spears and Bruno Mars will perform on a big stage between lap 11 and lap 12. understanding that F1 is entertainment in the broadest sense, "said Sean Bratches, general manager of F1, in an interview for the official F1 newsletter. Lando Norris, 18, born in Bristol and making his debut in the race in 2019, McLaren took the 12th rank in the first test session while he was replacing Stoffel Vandoorne.
