10 Reasons Why The US GP Was The Best F1 Race In Years

1. Slipping and sliding

Wet weather throughout the race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas meant that drivers really earned their money in the rain-hit FP1, FP3 and qualifying. Of course, FP2 was cancelled, and qualifying was postponed to Sunday morning and then shortened, but still, we saw a lot of incredible saves, slides, spins and the odd crash too.

2. Keeping the crowd entertained

The qualifying rain delay could well have been the most boring thing in F1 history, but fortunately it proved to be one of the funniest moments in recent years. We had breakdancing, drivers ballroom dancing, pranks, racing boxes on wheels and Red Bull bowling to name but a few. It really was refreshing to see.

3. Mixed up grid

The wet qualifying session and a few grid penalties meant we had a mixed up order for Sunday’s race, with the Ferrari drivers further back, the Williams drivers out of position, Carlos Sainz Jr failing to set a time and the McLaren cars higher than many anticipated.

4. Wet to dry

It’s always been the way. Races that start in the wet and gradually dry out always put on a great show, with the cross-over to slicks being crucial and hard to determine. It also creates some thrilling slides and saves in the slippery conditions, and throws open strategy.

5. Clashes and contact

COTA has a number of long straights followed by slow corners, which help promote overtaking. The weather and strategy differences also helped matters, meaning that we saw plenty of scraps, some of which resulted in contact and collisions.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg came together at the very first corner on the opening lap while battling for the lead, while there was chaos further back. The two Saubers touched a little while later and contact eliminated Nico Hulkenberg as he tried to make a move on Daniel Ricciardo.

6. Into the barrier

The unusual conditions meant there was little margin for error and a few drivers found that out over the weekend. Sainz Jr hit the wall heavily in FP3 and Daniil Kvyat lost the rear in spectacular style during the race, spinning into the wall at the penultimate corner.

7. Battle for victory

For once, we actually had a battle for first place, and at times it wasn’t just between the two Mercedes drivers – Red Bull and Ferrari got involved too.

8. Fights in the midfield

As has been the case throughout the year so far, the midfield has proven to be very competitive. At times, things got a bit too close for comfort, but overall we once again witnessed some great driving between the Toro Rosso, Force India, Red Bull (when they slipped back), McLaren (yes, really!), Sauber and Lotus cars.

9. Late drama

It was all going so well for Rosberg. He was leading, had a small advantage over Hamilton and looked set to win for the first time since the Austrian Grand Prix in June. But, on lap 48 of 56, wheel spin at Turn 16 caused him to go off track. With the error, Hamilton went from second to first in the space of just a few seconds, and turned the end result on its head.

10. Champion crowned

The wrapping up of the drivers’ title always makes for a special race. Moreso when the championship fight looked set to continue with eight laps remaining. Hamilton won his 10th race of the year and secured the crown, meaning disappointment for Rosberg and Vettel. It was a great way to conclude what had been the best race of 2015.