Manage episode 516035796 series 3643186
Critical Lap returns with a FULL breakdown of the 2025 United States Grand Prix at COTA in Austin - stetsons and all. We unpack a wild sprint weekend featuring the double McLaren crash, Sainz on the podium, and Max Verstappen suddenly looking like a real threat in the Drivers’ Championship. Has Red Bull secretly unlocked pace? Has McLaren melted down from the inside?
We also dive into the 3-way fight for P2 in the Constructors (Ferrari vs Mercedes vs Red Bull) and the 4-way midfield battle for 6th (Racing Bulls vs Aston Martin vs Haas vs Sauber). From qualifying shocks to COTA-themed liveries, from Antonelli vs. Sainz to Apple TV’s F1 deal - this one had everything.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro & Texas Big Hats
4:44 - Season is 75% done - still heating up
7:10 - Sprint: Double McLaren crash, Sainz podium, Verstappen back in the title hunt
14:50 - Qualifying: Where did Verstappen’s pace come from? Sandbag-city?
24:28 - Constructors chaos: Ferrari/Merc/Red Bull for P2 & 4-team fight for P6
26:22 - Race Recap: Verstappen domination, quiet Piastri, Leclerc defense drama
33:38 - QUICK REACTION: Sainz vs Antonelli - who’s at fault?
37:12 - QUICK REACTION: Best COTA livery - Williams, Haas, Racing Bulls, Alpine, McLaren & Aston “Math”
43:34 - QUICK REACTION: Best trophy of 2025? The longhorn track-mirror
47:08 - QUICK REACTION: F1 to Apple TV - good or bad for US fans?
50:10 - Wrap Up - next stop: Mexico GP
33 episodes