I often kid with friends that the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) track is home away from home. Since I’m a PSL (Premium Seat License) holder, I make it my habit to attend every race there. As a PSL member, my seat is reserved. So, I always have this view. I have also ridden my own bicycle at COTA a few times during their Tuesday night bike rides.
The shot here was taken during the 2016 Formula 1 weekend. At that time, car 77 (Williams Martini) was driven by Valtteri Bottas, and car 30 (Renault) was driven by Jolyon Palmer. That day, I noticed that Bottas was braking hard at Turn 15. Sometimes he’d have brake lock-ups, such as in both photos.
A lock-up occurs when a driver brakes harder than the tires can handle, causing one or more wheels to stop spinning while the car continues sliding forward. Modern F1 cars don’t have ABS, so drivers alone are responsible for modulating brake pressure into every corner — push too hard and the tire loses grip instead of slowing the car. That’s what produces the puff of white smoke and the dark skid mark on the track, and it can leave a flat spot on the tire that throws off its balance for the rest of the stint.
Turn 15 is an amazing location. You have a good view of cars fast approaching turn 12 and then braking for the successive curves until they’re past turn 15.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Austin, Circuit of the Americas, COTA, Formula 1, Sports, and Texas. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Source:
- F1 Fansite Glossary — Lock-up: causes, flat spots and why ABS is banned — https://www.f1-fansite.com/glossary/lock-up/
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Anne Sandler
Great capture Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne.
margaret21
My father dragged us off off events like this when I was small, and it’s left me with an abiding hatred of them, so I’m not joining the Appreciation Society today. Sorry!
Egidio Leitao
I start the day with a smile thanks to you. Why do parents do things they do? I am sure you did not repeat the same mistake. Thanks for the comment and smile. P.S.: The funny thing is I know nothing about cars, but I love motorsports.
margaret21
Now that’s quite odd for a non-car-appreciater! My mother was as miserable as I was. The marriage didn’t last …
Egidio Leitao
I guess I love the speed they race and, of course, the photo opportunities I get.
margaret21
👍