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COTA to Be a 'Real Test' - Toto's United States GP Preview

13 October 2025
8 Min Read

F1 returns to North America for the first time since June this week, for the second of three races in the USA in 2025.

Round 19 of the championships takes the paddock back to Texas, and the team arrive at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), off the back of victory with George in Singapore last time out.

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Marina Bay 'No Fluke'

Heading to Austin, the team will look to further strengthen its hold on P2 in the Constructors', with the gap to Ferrari in P3 at 27 points with six races remaining.

Toto said: "We come off the back of a strong result in Singapore, taking victory with George and P5 for Kimi. Not only was that unexpected, our level of performance across Saturday and Sunday showed it was no fluke.

"That has been the story of the season somewhat, where it isn't clear which team will be leading the way from weekend-to-weekend.

"We were also good in Azerbaijan so we are curious to see if we can maintain the step we have made with the W16 into this next run of races across the Americas.

"They are very different layouts and challenges to those two street circuits, so we are heading a little into the unknown, but that unpredictability is what makes our sport so enjoyable."

'Extra Jeopardy' in Austin

Having first appeared on the calendar in 2012, COTA has built a reputation as being one of the most anticipated weekends of the season.

"Austin has become an iconic F1 venue with a large and passionate crowd and a fantastic city playing host," says Toto.

"The Circuit of the Americas, with its elevation changes, spectacular first turn, and mix of high-speed corners and slower traction zones, is a real test."

And that won't be the only task for Toto and the Team to tackle in Texas.

"Adding to that challenge is the fourth Sprint weekend of the year," says Toto.

"That creates extra jeopardy but also more opportunity if we can get the W16 into a good place quickly."

A Special Anniversary

The 2025 United States Grand Prix will also be a big one for our team-mates at Mercedes-AMG.

"We are also delighted to celebrate 500 races of the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car this weekend," says Toto.

"This milestone is a testament to the company's commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport, and the longevity, technical innovation, and beauty of our cars."

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