Source: Official Team Post via X
F1's Next Stop: A Texas-sized Showdown at the United States Grand Prix
The Formula 1 season races toward its climax with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas. Kimi Antonelli is poised to break records as the youngest World Champion.
The F1 calendar is in full throttle for 2026, with the season nearing its dramatic conclusion. Though the schedule faced a couple of setbacks, reducing it to 22 races, the Bahrain Grand Prix found an unexpected new venue in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the fate of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds remains in limbo.
What's Next on the F1 Schedule?
United States Grand Prix
The United States Grand Prix has hopped around various circuits over the years, trying to find its footing in a nation more familiar with IndyCar and NASCAR. However, the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin has become a beloved fixture on the calendar since F1 first touched down there. Enthusiastic crowds have only grown, drawn in by the allure of thrilling races and the track's challenging layout.
This weekend marks the start of another triple-header, as Kimi Antonelli looks to make history by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion. Austin is one of three U.S. stops on the current calendar, a testament to Formula 1's growing fanbase across the pond.
When is the United States Grand Prix?
The racing action at COTA kicks off on Friday, October 23, with the final race taking place on Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. local time (8 p.m. UK time).
What Makes COTA Special?
COTA is the brainchild of famed circuit designer Hermann Tilke, who cherry-picked elements from iconic tracks worldwide to create a unique and exhilarating layout. The steep climb and sharp left of 'Big Red' at Turn 1 set the stage for action, followed by a series of twisting esses reminiscent of Silverstone’s Maggotts-Becketts complex.
The track doesn't let up, with the tight Turn 11 launching drivers onto a lengthy back straight, offering prime overtaking opportunities. The circuit's design takes further cues from Hockenheim's stadium section and Istanbul Park's Turn 8, with Turn 19 testing drivers' limits—and track limits alike—before the final Mario Andretti corner leads them back to the pit straight.
Is It a Sprint Weekend?
No, the United States Grand Prix is not a Sprint weekend. The weekend will follow the traditional format, with two practice sessions on Friday, a third on Saturday before qualifying, and the race on Sunday.
Session Times for the United States Grand Prix
**Friday, October 23** FP1: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. UK) FP2: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (10 p.m. - 11 p.m. UK)
**Saturday, October 24** FP3: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. UK) Qualifying: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (10 p.m. - 11 p.m. UK)
**Sunday, October 25** **United States Grand Prix:** 3 p.m. (8 p.m. UK) [56 laps or 120 minutes]
The 2026 F1 Schedule
The 2026 calendar features a mix of classic and new venues, with a few notable absences. Here's a glimpse:
- Australian Grand Prix, March 6-8 - Chinese Grand Prix, March 13-15 (Sprint) - Japanese Grand Prix, March 27-29 - Miami Grand Prix, May 1-3 (Sprint) - Monaco Grand Prix, June 5-7 - British Grand Prix, July 3-5 (Sprint) - Dutch Grand Prix, August 21-23 (Sprint) - United States Grand Prix, October 23-25
The season will conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, though its confirmation is pending. As the season unfolds, F1 fans have plenty of drama to look forward to.