Chip Season Returns
The final six races include three Sprint weekends, including key opportunities for the 3X DRS Boost and Limitless chips. Several top teams plan to run the 3X DRS Boost this weekend since recent races at COTA featured dry weather and few racing incidents. Early betting lines heavily favor Lando Norris to win (+120) so using the 3X/2X on Norris/Piastri or Norris/Leclerc provides the best chance of landing a top score.
When considering the Limitless chip, a combination of Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton with McLaren and Ferrari stands out to start the week given their current form and history at this circuit (more on that below). Only three non-Sprint weekends have outscored the lowest scoring Sprint weekend, suggesting that the extra event on a Sprint weekend leads to stronger returns for this chip.
The pilot for the current P1 team in the Global League shared his chip thoughts in an exclusive interview with FanAmp. PorscheF1 still holds four chips and his advice to fantasy strategists unsure about when to use their chips is, "...to not force it, and if you don't see an obvious opportunity, just be patient".
COTA History
Last season, strategists experienced a fantasy nightmare at one of the most popular venues to deploy the Limitless chip. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, provisionally P2 and P6 at the end of the Grand Prix, were both disqualified due to illegal plank wear. The devastating result for two popular drivers and their respective constructors sent shockwaves throughout the Global League.
Despite the disappointing result in 2023, Hamilton remains one of the most consistent drivers on the grid at COTA. He finished P2 in 2019, 2021, and 2022 and looks to snap his four-race streak of finishing outside the podium positions. Also impressive, Max Verstappen won the last three United States Grands Prix and finished P3 in 2019.
Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are the only other drivers to finish in the top 8 in every race at COTA since 2019, while Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso retired twice over the same period. This race led the 2022 calendar in overtakes and slid down to 13th in the category last season.
Weather
A rare patch of rain is forecasted for this weekend, although the weather on Saturday should clear up before the Sprint Race and Qualifying sessions. Keep a close eye on Sunday, especially if you plan to run the 3X DRS Boost. With two Sprint weekends remaining, carefully balance the risks the rain poses with the upside for overtakes in these conditions.
Three Lineups for Three Budgets
After a quick poll during the last episode of The Fantasy Formula Live, it's time to increase the budget ranges for this segment! Recently, the best lineups have followed a similar pattern and strategists looking to catch up in their league may be looking to spice things up. I recommend one more work of boring lineups before making radical changes, as COTA tends to deliver a predictable race. Mexico (Checo sentimental DOTD), Interlagos (Mercedes' historically strong form), and Qatar (suits Red Bull) each present opportunities for differential plays in the coming weeks so stay patient!
$121M
With sports books heavily favoring Norris to win, he stands out as a top 2X DRS Boost option this week. The Sprint weekend provides extra opportunities for overtakes, so stacking a strong midfield around Norris could yield some high scores and price gains from these cheaper assets. With Ferrari promising an upgrade package and McLaren rumored to introduce one of their own, a reliable constructor duo is recommended.
$126M
This team fits my current budget and is where I'm leaning to start the week. Oscar Piastri makes for a fine alternative to Leclerc, and hopefully Sprint Qualifying will clarify which driver has the edge this weekend. With the 3X DRS Boost in hand, my current plan includes placing the 3X Boost on Lando and the 2X Boost on Charles (or Oscar). Alex Albon continues to show signs of pace but his recent DNF may turn off some strategists - I expect Albon to rebound this weekend and deliver a competitive overtake total.
$131M
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Since the price changes after Singapore, this budget range provides limited advantage over the $126M class. One small upgrade out of the Saubers is available, and while Hulkenberg should shine at COTA, Liam Lawson's 2024 debut intrigues me. His first drive in 2023 impressed many in the paddock and he contended for Driver of the Day on multiple occasions while filling in for Daniel Ricciardo.
The Fantasy Formula returns with the Weekend Preview on Monday, October 14th, with an extra special guest only on the official FanAmp YouTube channel.
Then tune in Saturday, October 19th at 1PM EST/6PM BST for the Deadline Live Stream (remember, lineups lock prior to the Sprint race) where we'll answer all your questions before lineups lock. Be sure to head over to the FanAmp app to share your lineup in The Fantasy Formula base and have it reviewed during the broadcast. See you there!
