United States Grand Prix 2026: Full F1 Schedule and Start Times

Formula 1 heads to Austin, Texas, this weekend for the United States Grand Prix, with the championship battle reaching a potentially decisive stage. The race at Circuit of The Americas runs from October 23–25, and Kimi Antonelli could secure his maiden world title if the results fall in his favour.

The Mercedes driver arrives with a 102-point advantage over team-mate George Russell, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton remains another contender. Antonelli needs to win on Sunday, with Russell finishing ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower, to clinch the championship in Austin. If those results happen, the Italian would also become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.

Max Verstappen will also be one to watch after winning the previous two races in Malaysia and Singapore. Red Bull’s recent improvement could make the fight at the front more competitive as the season enters its closing stretch.

Unlike some rounds on the calendar, Austin will follow the traditional Grand Prix format, with three practice sessions, qualifying and the main race on Sunday. Here is the full schedule for UK viewers.

2026 United States Grand Prix schedule — UK time

• Friday, October 23: Free Practice 1 — 6:30 PM BST
• Friday, October 23: Free Practice 2 — 10:00 PM BST
• Saturday, October 24: Free Practice 3 — 6:30 PM BST
• Saturday, October 24: Qualifying — 10:00 PM BST
• Sunday, October 25: United States Grand Prix — 8:00 PM GMT

The race will cover 56 laps of the 5.513-kilometre circuit. With the championship potentially on the line and Verstappen arriving in strong form, the Austin weekend could prove crucial in shaping the final stages of the 2026 season.