Following on from two races in Asia, the Formula 1 World Championship moves on to the Americas and the United States Grand Prix, held at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

Scuderia Ferrari HP heads into the eighteenth round of the season off the back of two consecutive podium finishes, courtesy of Lewis Hamilton in Sepang and Charles Leclerc in Singapore. For the Texan race, their SF-26s will sport a special livery created in collaboration with HP, which will be unveiled this afternoon.

First used in 2012, the Circuit of The Americas is now established as one of Formula 1's modern classics, particularly appreciated by drivers for its variety of corners and numerous changes in elevation. The circuit is 5.513 kilometres long and features 20 corners, with an overall elevation change of more than 40 metres. One of its most distinctive features is the steep climb leading up to Turn 1, a left-hand hairpin that often provides overtaking opportunities, particularly in the early stages of the race. The first sector features a sequence of rapid changes of direction, inspired by some of the most challenging sections of other circuits from around the world, while the long straight leading to the braking zone for Turn 12 is another key overtaking spot. Another farctor to consider is temperature. The final part of the lap features a mix of corner speeds, requiring a well-balanced car capable of delivering precision through changes of direction and good traction on the exit of the slower corners. Another factor to consider is the temperature, which can be particularly high in Texas, consequently affecting tyre behaviour and car balance. The track surface is known for being bumpy in parts which adds to the challenge of finding the ideal set-up.

Fred Vasseur: After two encouraging weekends in Asia, in which we scored solid points, we now begin the American leg of the season in Austin. The Circuit of the Americas is one of the most challenging track on the calendar, combining very different types of corners. We have been working hard to build on the progress shown in recent races and our aim this weekend is to put together another solid performance across all areas of the team. We are looking forward to racing in front of the enthusiastic American fans and to getting the most out of the SF-26.

Ferrari at the United States GP

70 GP Entered
1952 Debut Indianapolis 500 Miles (A. Ascari ret.)
14 (20.00%) Wins
18 (25.71%) Pole Positions
16 (22.85%) Fastest Laps
48 (22.86%) Podiums

Three questions to Stefano Luparia - New Car Concept Specialist

What were the challenges involved in developing this special livery for the United States Grand Prix?
Stefano Luparia: There were numerous challenges in developing the special livery for Austin, spanning both the creative and technical aspects of the project. On the one hand, we had to transform the concept developed together with Ferrari Design Studio into a solution that could be practically applied, adapting it to the car's complex surfaces and aerodynamic requirements. On the other, we worked closely with HP to introduce innovative printing technologies that had never before been used in this specific application. My role was to coordinate and validate all the technical aspects of the project, ensuring that our performance objectives were met and that the livery was correctly implemented on the cars for the United States Grand Prix.

How important is it to have a partner like HP supporting the research and development of new technologies?
SL: Having a world-class partner such as HP alongside us is extremely important. The most significant breakthroughs happen when different areas of expertise and perspectives come together to tackle a common challenge. This collaboration enables us to experiment with new technologies and develop increasingly advanced, high-performance solutions. It is precisely through this approach that we can challenge existing conventions and continue pushing innovation to new limits.

Tell us a bit about yourself: how did you come to work for Scuderia Ferrari HP, and how does it feel to be part of this team?
SL: I have been working for Scuderia Ferrari since 2015. My journey began with an internship linked to my university thesis, which gave me the opportunity to enter a unique and highly stimulating environment. Over the years, I have held several roles, starting in Chassis Design before moving to my current position in New Car Concept Design. Ferrari has been my dream since childhood, and being able today to contribute not only to the performance but also, in part, to the styling of our cars is a source of great pride. It is exciting to see an idea begin in the digital world, evolve through months of teamwork, and ultimately take to the track in front of millions of fans around the world.

United States Grand Prix - Facts and Figures

1. The number of stars on the flag of Texas. Hence the nickname the Lone Star State, symbolising Texan independence and pride.

133. The elevation gain, in metres, between the start line and the braking zone for Turn 1 at COTA. From the grid, the apex is almost invisible, making the first lap one of the most spectacular of the season.

1977. The year in which chilli con carne became the official dish of Texas. Austin still hosts some of the most famous food festivals dedicated to this speciality. According to one of the most widely accepted theories about its origins, chilli was first created in San Antonio in 1731 by families from the Canary Islands who settled in Texas during the 18th century, helping to shape what is now known as Tex-Mex cuisine.

70,000. The number of students enrolled at the University of Texas, one of the largest public universities in the United States, whose campus occupies an entire section of the city centre.

695,662. The area of Texas in square kilometres. If it were an independent country, it would rank among the 40 largest in the world, covering a greater area than mainland France and more than twice the size of Italy.