The 2016 US Grand Prix came from one of F1’s great new circuits. A rare combination of words.

It was another Mercedes win, chalk up another Silver Arrows 1-2, but for a change since the summer break it was Lewis Hamilton who was leading the duo. Giving us all the hope that the Championship may end up going down to the final race.

Without the delay is our review of the 2016 US Grand Prix, and unlike Luca Badoer’s F1 career, it is in point form.

GOOD

LEWIS HAMILTON

Racing in arguably his most important market, if you follow his social media account, he did it in style. Win from Pole and never looked like being annoyed at the front. Especially after Daniel Ricciardo got in the way of Rosberg behind him from the start.

DANIEL RICCIARDO

Another good job, saw off the youngster and looked capable of Mercedes annoyance. Royally trumped by Virtual Safety Car. Unfortunately caused by his team mate. Adrian Newey has been seen at the circuit more and more lately. Hopefully this new found interest combined with Newey’s ability to design a winning car with massive rule changes we may see the Australian out in front next season.

FERNANDO ALONSO

Starting to get some reward for his move to McLaren. Proving best of the rest again. Provided a rare on track highlight with the battle for fifth at the end with Massa and Sainz

CARLOS SAINZ

Some of his best work too. Priming himself for a Red Bull drive in 2018 when Vettel’s Ferrari seat is up for grabs.

BAD

MAX VERSTAPPEN

Not his best race after a solid 4th on the grid. A phantom pitstop was the first leg of disappointment. The breakdown completed the job. This all after the ban of moving under braking, aimed squarely at him.

KIMI RAIKKONEN

More for his luck than his performance. Looked good in the race until his failure.

WHERE WERE THE BLOODY COWBOY PIRELLI HATS

The Austin podium is usually different thanks in a large part to the huge Cowboys hats given to the top three. In the ever more corporatised bland world of F1, looks like that bit O fun is gone too. Pffft.

UGLY

F1’s OBSESSION WITH CELEBRITIES

As if the F1 podium interviews weren’t unwatchable and completely irrelevant enough, they wheel out Gerard Butler to interview the drivers. That after showing as many glimpses of celebrities looking bored shitless in the pits throughout the race. Podium interviews can Tango Mike Sierra.

RESULTS