Nico Rosberg - F1 driver
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg will be keen to stop Hamilton's winning run at the United States Grand Prix Toru Hanai/Reuters

Formula 1 has finished its Asian sojourn for now and arrived at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This is a relatively new track and has seen two races since its inception, with Lewis Hamilton winning the inaugural edition in 2012 and Sebastian Vettel taking victory on the way to his fourth consecutive World title in 2013.

The Mercedes powered cars will be a favourite yet again, with Williams and Red Bull Racing following behind. Tyre management has always been a crucial factor at this track and this time around it will be no different.

However, this race will see just 18 cars taking part as two teams. Caterham and Marussia F1 have withdrawn from the race due to financial issues.

This will be a crucial race in the battle for the Drivers' Championship and it is a must win race for Nico Rosberg to close in on teammate and championship leader Hamilton.

Where to Watch Live

The first practice session of the United States Grand Prix starts at 3pm GMT, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website.

Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 7pm GMT.

Track Facts

  • Circuit Name: Circuit of the Americas
  • First F1 Race: 2012
  • Circuit Length: 5.513 km
  • Number of Laps: 56
  • Race Distance: 308.405 km
  • Lap Record: 1:39.347 Sebastian Vettel (2012)
  • Most Wins: Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton (1 each)
  • 2013 Winner: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
  • 2013 Pole: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)

Drivers' Championship Review

lewis hamilton
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton looking to win his fifth race on the trot at the US Grand Prix Reuters

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has built up a 17-point lead over championship rival and teammate Nico Rosberg following four consecutive victories. The German driver will be keen to put a stop to his teammates winning run with just two races remaining after the US Grand Prix. However, with double points in the final race, the battle is guaranteed to go down to the wire.

Meanwhile, there is a battle raging for positions behind the two leaders. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo looks safe in third place, but the battle for fourth, fifth and sixth positions will go down to the final race with just 4 points separating Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.

Constructors' Championship Review

Mercedes have been crowned the 2014 Constructors Champions after a dominating season, which has seen them win 13 out of the 16 races and at least one of their drivers has finished on the podium in every race.

Red Bull Racing are pretty much safe in second place, with Williams and Ferrari fighting for the final podium place. It looks like the British team has a clear advantage over the Maranello based outfit, but with double points in the last race, it could swing both ways.

McLaren are in a battle with Force India for fifth and sixth places, but the recent good form from the Woking-based outfit has seen them build a 20-point lead over the Vijay Mallya owned team.