F1 is in the United States of America for the fifth round of the 2022 season. The state of Florida will see Miami host the first-ever F1 race in its history. As the teams take their place in the city, Mercedes’ poster boys Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken their place all around the airport.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When fans enter the city’s airport and go down the stairs, the first thing they will see is the Mercedes boys welcoming them with style. From pillars to banners, wherever one looks, there are the Silver Arrows boys. The banners include the drivers as well as FTX and IWC, the official sponsor of the Mercedes AMG F1 team.
This will be the 11th venue for the United States to host a race in the country. Apart from the already listed Circuit of the Americas race in Austin, Texas, and this inaugural Miami GP, F1 has signed up for another street circuit race in Las Vegas for 2023. As the popularity of the sport has increased many folds over the years, the race in Miami this year is an example of that.
What to expect from Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in Miami?
The seven-time world champion has a great record at COTA. The Briton picked up 6 wins there, more than any other driver. Most recently, Hamilton finished in P2 in the 2021 race behind Max Verstappen.
Mercedes has been really dominant in North America in the post Hybrid era. The Silver Arrows have won back-to-back four times in Austin from 2014 to 2017. Moreover, Mercedes picked up the 2019 win through Valtteri Bottas to make it five wins in six outings.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, things aren’t great in the new season for Lewis as he occupies P7 after four races. With 28 points, Hamilton is 21 points behind his newly recruited teammate George Russell. The former McLaren driver has picked up just a single podium in 2022 so far, thanks to double Red Bull DNFs.
2022 hasn’t been an ideal start for the defending Constructor’s Champions as well. The W13 is still struggling with porpoising and lacks straight-line speed as compared to the Ferrari F1-75 or Red Bull RB18.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Silver Arrows see themselves falling behind leaders Ferrari and P2 Red Bull. Ferrari is long ahead with 124 points followed by Red Bull with 113. Mercedes are at P3 with 77 points so far. It’ll be interesting to see if the German team can make amends and have a great weekend up ahead.
WATCH THIS STORY: Spotted F1 Stars Max Verstappen and George Russell Enjoy Miami Heats Dominant Surge At NBA Playoffs