There are just four races left of the 2017 season, and whilst the championship is likely to be decided before we get to the end, there's still plenty to keep an eye on. This weekend, Formula One is being hosted by the Circuit of the Americas, a still relatively new but impressive facility. It's a popular track, which is even more impressive considering the results and reviews of other newer circuits, and should provide a great weekend of racing.

Event schedule

There's no hiding away from the fact that Lewis Hamilton has a chance to wrap up the championship this weekend, with a hefty lead over rival Sebastian Vettel. The run of bad fortune that Ferrari have seen couldn't have come at a worse time for the team and for us fans, meaning the tight title battle that we have enjoyed has become a distant memory.

it's understandable there will be plenty of attention on the frontrunners, therefore, but there's also some interest in the midfield. Carlos Sainz has finally made that move to Renault and will be seen out and about in his new yellow colours, whilst Brendon Hartley will get to make his F1 debut - many years after first taking a test drive in an F1 car.

Of course, it being the US Grand Prix, it will be the Haas team's chance to shine - celebrating their home race. It's been a year of steady improvement for the team and they'll be riding high off a double points finish in Japan, so who knows what they will achieve in front of the home crowd?

Support racing for this event includes FIA Formula 4 and Masters Historic.

Expected conditions

At this early point in the week, the forecast suggests there will be rain and storms throughout with the potential for things to clear up by the time the race comes around. The temperatures are set to be relatively high, but with that comes the humidity and the chance of showers that make conditions very difficult.

Circuit history

This is the sixth race to be held at the Circuit of the Americas, and the 39th US race overall. Pole position is absolutely crucial in the event, because although it can be an exciting race, the winner has never come from further back than the front row of the grid. Lewis Hamilton has won five of the six races held here, with the only other victor bring Sebastian Vettel.

The track has earned a good reputation during its short time on the calendar, thanks to imitating some of the best corners from other tracks. With steep hills and a variety challenges from tight hairpins to long straights, there's a lot to think about and a crucial balance to find to get a good result.

As with many of the circuits on the calendar, upgrades this year have been in relation to the kerbing and barriers around the track. There are new bumps, new TecPro barriers, and double kerbs put in place of single kerbs to try and improve safety.

Tyre compounds

In an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer, this weekend will see a new tyre colour on the cars - anyone using the ultrasoft will be running a pink rather than purple stripe. In terms of performance, though, this weekend should see some nice challenges with long straights, elevation changes and a couple of tight hairpins.

Pirelli boss Mario Isola says: "For America, we're once again taking a softer range of compounds that we have done for previous races there, with the ultra soft available in Austin for the first time. This should bring laps times down, continuing the trend we have seen over the course of the season."

Selected tyre sets per driver

Lewis Hamilton	3	3	7
Valtteri Bottas	2	4	7
Daniel Ricciardo	2	4	7
Max Verstappen	2	4	7
Sebastian Vettel	2	4	7
Kimi Räikkönen	1	5	7
Sergio Pérez	2	3	8
Esteban Ocon	2	3	8
Felipe Massa	2	2	9
Lance Stroll	1	3	9
Fernando Alonso	2	2	9
Stoffel Vandoorne	1	3	9
Daniil Kvyat	2	3	8
Brendon Hartley	2	3	8
Romain Grosjean	1	5	7
Kevin Magnussen	2	4	7
Nico Hülkenberg	2	3	8
Carlos Sainz	2	3	8
Pascal Wehrlein	3	3	7
Marcus Ericsson	2	4	7

Press conference schedule

Official press conferences are organised by the FIA and happen four times during the weekend. The qualifying and post race press conferences will take place after the television unilateral interviews.

Race stewards

The FIA stewarding process includes a former F1 driver to offer added insight. These stewards are overseeing the weekend's action.