The 2026 Formula 1 season rolls into Austin for the United States Grand Prix, presenting teams and drivers with the engaging challenge of the Circuit of The Americas. This weekend marks the 18th Grand Prix of the season, and while Max Verstappen recently celebrated victory in Singapore, he remains a distant fourth in the Drivers' Championship. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli leads by 102 points and might just clinch the title this weekend.
United States Grand Prix Schedule
The racing weekend kicks off with Free Practice 1 at 12:30 PM local time on Friday, October 23, followed by Free Practice 2 at 4:00 PM. Saturday, October 24, features the final hour of practice at 12:30 PM, with Qualifying starting at 4:00 PM. The Grand Prix itself is scheduled for 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 25.
Watching the United States Grand Prix
Fans can catch every session live with F1 TV Pro, which offers exclusive features such as onboard cameras for all 22 drivers, and both Pre-Race and Post-Race Shows. F1 TV Pro is available on various streaming devices like Apple TV, Chromecast, and Roku, and provides commentary in six languages. Alternatively, F1 TV Premium allows fans to watch races in 4K Ultra HD/HDR with a Multiview feature on select devices. For those who prefer live timing, F1.com and the F1 app provide updates throughout the weekend.
Venue Details
The Circuit of The Americas, which opened in 2012, is known for its Texan hospitality and a layout that borrows from iconic tracks around the world. From the Maggotts/Becketts-like sequence between Turns 3 and 6 to the Hockenheim-inspired stadium section at Turns 12 through 15, COTA blends character and challenge.
Weather Forecast
Austin is expected to deliver warm weather with temperatures reaching up to 28°C, and a minimal chance of rain, making for a pleasant experience for drivers and spectators alike.
F1 ACADEMY at the United States Grand Prix
After a two-month hiatus, the F1 ACADEMY returns to COTA, with Red Bull's Alisha Palmowski leading the standings. This weekend features a three-race format: the Opening Race on Friday, October 23, at 5:50 PM, the Reverse Grid Race on Saturday, October 24, at 6:00 PM, and the Feature Race on Sunday, October 25, at 12:00 PM. With the penultimate round underway, there’s ample opportunity for drivers to score valuable points.
