United States Grand Prix 2026: Race Time and How to Watch

Formula 1 heads to Texas for the 2026 United States Grand Prix, with the Circuit of the Americas in Austin set to host another crucial round in the drivers’ championship battle. With the season entering a decisive phase, attention will focus on championship leader Kimi Antonelli, reigning contender Max Verstappen and the experienced Lewis Hamilton as they prepare for one of the calendar’s most challenging circuits.

Verstappen arrives following a memorable victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, where the Red Bull driver secured his first win at the Marina Bay circuit this season. His recent form has strengthened his position as a contender, while Mercedes driver Antonelli continues to lead the championship standings and is approaching a potentially decisive moment in his campaign.

Antonelli has built a 102-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell, putting him in a strong position with the United States Grand Prix approaching. Depending on the results in Austin and the points available, the young Italian could have a mathematical opportunity to clinch the world championship.

The race weekend also promises an intriguing contest between Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. With the Circuit of the Americas combining high-speed corners, long straights and challenging elevation changes, qualifying position, tyre management and strategy could all play important roles.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 United States Grand Prix, including the race start time, full weekend schedule, television coverage, circuit details, weather forecast and predictions.

United States Grand Prix 2026: Race Start Time

The 2026 United States Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, October 25, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

• Race: United States Grand Prix 2026
• Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
• Race start time: 8:00 p.m. GMT
• Venue: Circuit of the Americas
• Location: Austin, Texas, United States
• Race distance: 56 laps
• Circuit length: Approximately 5.5 kilometres

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the scheduled start is 8:00 p.m. GMT. Fans in India can watch the race at 1:30 a.m. IST on Monday, October 26, because India is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

The evening start in the UK means fans can follow the race after the traditional daytime sporting schedule. In India, however, viewers will need to stay up late or tune in during the early hours of Monday to watch the action live.

With the championship battle approaching a potentially decisive stage, the race could have major implications for the standings. Antonelli will be aiming to strengthen his position, while Verstappen and the other leading drivers will be looking to take advantage of any opportunity to reduce the gap.

United States Grand Prix 2026: Full Weekend Schedule

The United States Grand Prix weekend runs from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25. The schedule includes practice, qualifying and the main race, with each session offering teams an opportunity to assess performance and prepare for the demands of the Austin circuit.

All times below are in British Summer Time (BST), as listed in the supplied schedule.

Friday, October 23

• Second practice: Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc sets the pace ahead of Kimi Antonelli.

Practice provides teams with valuable information about tyre behaviour, car balance and the effectiveness of their latest upgrades. Leclerc’s pace for Ferrari offers an early indication that the team could be competitive, although practice times alone do not necessarily predict qualifying or race performance.

Saturday, October 24

• Qualifying: Kimi Antonelli takes pole position as he bids to strengthen his championship challenge.

Securing pole position gives Antonelli an important advantage for Sunday’s race. Starting at the front can help a driver avoid opening-lap traffic and control the pace, although strategy, tyre wear and safety-car interruptions can quickly change the picture.

Sunday, October 25

• United States Grand Prix: 8:00 p.m. GMT / 9:00 p.m. BST.

The race is the weekend’s main event, with drivers set to complete 56 laps around the Circuit of the Americas. Championship pressure, the demands of the track and the possibility of changing weather conditions could all influence the outcome.

Note: The supplied schedule lists the race start in GMT. As the UK remains on British Summer Time on October 25, the corresponding UK local time is 9:00 p.m. BST.

How to Watch the United States Grand Prix 2026

Formula 1 fans in the United Kingdom can follow the United States Grand Prix through Sky Sports, which is listed as the broadcaster for the race weekend. Coverage includes practice sessions, qualifying and the Grand Prix itself.

United Kingdom

• Sky Sports F1: Live coverage of practice, qualifying and the race.
• Sky Sports Main Event: Coverage of selected sessions, according to the broadcast schedule.
• Channel 4: Free-to-air highlights for viewers who do not have a Sky Sports subscription.

Fans who cannot watch the race live can look for Channel 4’s highlights coverage. The programme provides an opportunity to catch the key overtakes, pit-stop decisions, incidents and championship developments without following the entire event live.

United States

In the United States, the supplied broadcast information lists Apple TV as the platform for subscribers to watch every session through its new Formula 1 channel. Viewers should check their local service and subscription details for the latest availability and coverage arrangements.

India

For viewers in India, the race is scheduled to begin at 1:30 a.m. IST on Monday, October 26. The broadcaster and streaming availability should be checked against the latest local listings before the race, as coverage arrangements can vary by territory and season.

Because the race takes place late at night for Indian viewers, checking the start time and local broadcast information in advance will help avoid missing the opening laps.

Circuit of the Americas: Everything to Know About the Austin Track

The Circuit of the Americas, commonly known as COTA, has hosted the United States Grand Prix since 2012. Its arrival on the Formula 1 calendar ended a five-year gap since the championship’s previous race at Indianapolis and gave the sport a permanent venue in Austin, Texas.

The circuit was opened by former world champion Mario Andretti, who won the Formula 1 drivers’ title in 1978. Since then, COTA has become a popular destination for drivers and fans, thanks to its combination of challenging corners, elevation changes and opportunities for overtaking.

The track measures approximately 5.5 kilometres and features 20 turns. Drivers complete 56 laps during the Grand Prix, requiring a careful balance between outright speed, tyre preservation and consistency.

A challenging first corner

One of COTA’s most recognisable features is the steep climb towards Turn 1. The elevation change creates a distinctive approach to the opening corner and can make the first braking zone especially important.

Drivers arriving at the corner in close formation must judge their braking carefully while remaining alert to rivals attempting to gain positions. The opening lap can therefore provide opportunities for overtaking, but mistakes can also cost valuable time or result in contact.

Fast corners and long straights

The circuit combines long straights with sequences of rapid direction changes. The esses in the second sector demand precision and aerodynamic stability, while the straights provide opportunities for drivers to use their speed advantage and attempt overtakes.

Parts of the circuit draw inspiration from well-known corners at established European venues, including Silverstone and Hockenheim. The result is a varied layout that tests different aspects of car performance rather than rewarding one particular strength alone.

Technical final sector

The final sector includes slower corners and hairpins that require strong braking performance, traction and careful acceleration. Drivers must avoid compromising their exits because a poor run through a slow corner can affect their speed along the following straight.

These contrasting demands make car setup particularly important. Teams must find a compromise between aerodynamic performance through the fast corners and sufficient straight-line speed to defend or attack on the circuit’s longer straights.

United States Grand Prix: Previous Winners at COTA

The Circuit of the Americas has produced several memorable Formula 1 races since joining the calendar in 2012. Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a particularly successful period at the venue, while Max Verstappen has established himself as one of its most successful recent winners.

The supplied historical winners list includes the following results:

• 2014: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
• 2015: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
• 2016: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
• 2017: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
• 2018: Kimi Räikkönen, Ferrari
• 2019: Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
• 2021: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
• 2022: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
• 2023: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
• 2024: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
• 2025: Max Verstappen, Red Bull

Hamilton’s run of victories established him as a dominant force at the Austin venue during the middle of the 2010s. Verstappen subsequently enjoyed a strong spell, winning three consecutive races from 2021 to 2023 before adding another victory in 2025, according to the supplied results.

Charles Leclerc’s 2024 victory also demonstrated Ferrari’s ability to challenge for the win at COTA. With several leading teams competing for honours in 2026, the circuit’s history suggests that both car performance and race execution will be important.

Key United States Grand Prix Statistics

The Austin circuit has built a distinctive place on the Formula 1 calendar. Its history, layout and previous winners provide useful context ahead of the 2026 race.

• First Formula 1 race at COTA: 2012
• Circuit: Circuit of the Americas
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Circuit length: Approximately 5.5 kilometres
• Race distance: 56 laps
• Listed lap record: 1:36.169, Charles Leclerc, 2019
• Most United States Grand Prix wins at the venue: Lewis Hamilton, with six according to the supplied statistics

Hamilton’s record at COTA highlights his long-standing success at the circuit. His victories during the Mercedes team’s dominant period helped make Austin one of his strongest venues, while Verstappen’s more recent results have established him as another major contender.

The pole-position statistics also underline the importance of qualifying. Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are listed as sharing the record with four poles each, while Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Leclerc and Lando Norris have also secured pole positions at the circuit.

Although historical statistics can help identify drivers who have performed well at COTA, they do not guarantee a repeat result. Changes in car design, tyre behaviour, team performance and championship circumstances can all influence the outcome of a new race.

United States Grand Prix 2026: Weather Forecast

The supplied forecast points to the possibility of light rain and a gentle breeze during the United States Grand Prix weekend, with temperatures reaching a high of 32°C. Conditions could therefore become an important consideration for teams preparing their cars and race strategies.

However, a forecast covering several days can change, and the possibility of rain does not necessarily mean that the race itself will take place on a wet track. Teams will need to monitor the latest information and assess conditions as the weekend progresses.

How rain could affect the race

If rain reaches the circuit, grip levels could change significantly, particularly in the fast corners and braking zones. Drivers would need to adjust their approach, while teams would have to decide whether intermediate or wet-weather tyres were necessary.

Changing conditions can also create strategic opportunities. A team that reacts quickly to an approaching shower may gain an advantage over rivals who remain on the wrong tyres, while an unexpected downpour can disrupt carefully planned pit-stop strategies.

Even in dry conditions, temperatures approaching 32°C would make tyre management and cooling important considerations. Drivers must balance pushing for lap time with preserving their tyres over a race distance of 56 laps.

Fans should check an updated local forecast closer to the start, particularly if rain could affect qualifying or the Grand Prix itself.

What Happened at the Previous Grand Prix?

The supplied preview describes the Singapore Grand Prix as a significant result for Verstappen, who secured pole position by 0.291 seconds ahead of Lando Norris before going on to win the race.

Verstappen’s performance put him firmly into the conversation around the drivers’ championship. His pace over one lap and ability to control the race provided Red Bull with an important result as the season moved towards its final rounds.

Norris finished second, while McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri came home fifth. The result narrowed the gap between the McLaren drivers in the standings, with Norris reducing Piastri’s advantage to 14 points, according to the supplied account.

Verstappen was reported to be 40 points behind Piastri following the Singapore race, with five races remaining in that account of the championship. Those figures underline the importance of every remaining round, although championship positions and points calculations should be checked against the latest official standings.

The result also increased interest in the competitive battle between Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes. Verstappen’s victory demonstrated that Red Bull could challenge for wins, while McLaren’s drivers remained important factors in the championship picture.

For the United States Grand Prix, the key question is whether Verstappen can maintain that momentum or whether Antonelli and Mercedes will respond at a circuit that presents a very different set of challenges from Singapore.

United States Grand Prix 2026 Predictions: Who Could Win in Austin?

The 2026 United States Grand Prix presents several possible storylines, with Antonelli aiming to strengthen his championship position, Verstappen looking to continue his winning form and Ferrari hoping to capitalise on its pace in practice.

Predicting the winner is difficult because COTA places a broad range of demands on the car. Straight-line speed matters, but drivers also need stability through the fast esses, strong braking performance and enough traction to accelerate effectively out of slower corners.

Kimi Antonelli: The championship leader

Antonelli enters the weekend with a substantial advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell, according to the supplied championship figures. His pole position also provides a strong starting point for the race and an opportunity to turn his title advantage into another important result.

The Italian’s immediate priority will be to convert qualifying performance into a competitive race. A clean start, effective tyre management and a well-executed pit-stop strategy could help him control the event from the front.

Mercedes’ performance will nevertheless be important. The team has reportedly been working to optimise its latest upgrade package, and finding the right balance between speed and consistency could determine whether Antonelli can challenge for victory.

With the championship potentially approaching a decisive moment, Antonelli will also need to balance the pursuit of a race win against the importance of collecting points. A strong finish could be valuable even if the team does not have the pace to dominate.

Max Verstappen: A serious threat for victory

Verstappen is another major contender after his reported Singapore victory. The Red Bull driver has won the United States Grand Prix at COTA four times according to the supplied results, making him one of the most successful recent competitors at the venue.

His familiarity with the circuit could prove valuable, particularly through its high-speed corners and demanding braking zones. Verstappen’s ability to manage tyre wear while maintaining a strong pace could also be important over the 56-lap distance.

Red Bull has reportedly been described by rivals as the team to beat in the remaining races. If its car performs well across both the fast and technical sections of COTA, Verstappen could challenge for another victory.

However, a strong record at the circuit is not a guarantee of success. The performance of the latest car, qualifying position, strategy and weather conditions will all influence his chances.

Lewis Hamilton: Experience and a remarkable Austin record

Hamilton remains a driver to watch at the United States Grand Prix. His six victories at the venue, according to the supplied statistics, make him one of the most successful competitors in the event’s history.

His experience at COTA could help him navigate the circuit’s demanding layout, particularly if conditions become unpredictable. Hamilton’s ability to judge braking points, manage tyres and identify opportunities in traffic has been a defining feature of his career.

The supplied preview suggests that Hamilton will be looking to add another podium to his tally with Ferrari. To challenge for the top positions, however, he will need a car capable of matching Mercedes and Red Bull over a full race distance.

Ferrari’s pace in practice, with Leclerc reportedly setting the benchmark in second practice, provides an encouraging sign for the team. The key will be whether that speed translates into qualifying and race performance.

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari: Can practice pace become a podium?

Leclerc’s reported performance in second practice puts Ferrari among the teams to watch. The Monegasque driver has previously won at COTA, having taken victory in 2024 according to the supplied historical list.

Ferrari will need to maintain its performance across the weekend and ensure that its race strategy supports its pace. Qualifying position could be particularly important because the circuit’s overtaking opportunities can still depend on tyre condition, straight-line speed and the timing of pit stops.

If Ferrari can remain competitive through the fast sections and manage its tyres effectively, Leclerc could challenge for a podium or potentially fight for the win.

Mercedes Upgrade Package Could Shape the Championship Battle

Mercedes’ latest technical developments could have a significant influence on the outcome in Austin. The supplied preview notes that the team has been working to optimise its current upgrade package, with Russell reportedly using an older specification in Singapore while Antonelli ran the updated version.

Comparing the two configurations can help a team understand whether an upgrade delivers the expected gains. However, performance differences can also be influenced by setup choices, track conditions and individual driving styles, meaning that one race weekend may not provide a complete picture.

COTA will provide another test of Mercedes’ development work. The circuit requires a car that performs well through high-speed corners without sacrificing too much speed on the straights, making it a useful test of overall balance.

If the upgrade delivers consistent improvements, Antonelli could benefit in his championship campaign. If the team struggles to find the right setup, Red Bull and Ferrari may have opportunities to challenge for victory.

What to Expect From the 2026 United States Grand Prix

The United States Grand Prix promises an important contest as Formula 1 moves towards the closing stages of the 2026 season. Antonelli’s championship advantage, Verstappen’s recent form and Ferrari’s reported pace all provide reasons to watch closely.

The Circuit of the Americas is capable of producing varied racing because it combines long straights with fast corners, technical sections and challenging elevation changes. A good qualifying result can provide a significant advantage, but strategy and tyre management will remain crucial.

Weather could add another layer of uncertainty if the forecast rain arrives. Teams will need to remain flexible, while drivers must be ready to adapt to changing grip levels and visibility.

Antonelli starts the weekend with a strong championship position and the opportunity to take another step towards the title. Verstappen will be looking to build on his Singapore success, while Hamilton and Leclerc will aim to put Ferrari into contention at a circuit where both drivers have enjoyed notable results.

For fans in the UK, the race is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. GMT, equivalent to 9:00 p.m. BST. Viewers in India can tune in at 1:30 a.m. IST on Monday, October 26, subject to local broadcast availability.

With the title fight intensifying and several leading drivers capable of challenging at COTA, the 2026 United States Grand Prix could prove to be one of the season’s most consequential races.