United States GP scheduled for Oct. 23-25 in Austin
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 21, 2026
United States Grand Prix
The United States Grand Prix returns to Circuit of The Americas in Austin for Round 18 of the 2026 Formula 1 season, and the weekend packs in a full slate of track action. First practice starts at 12:30 p.m. Friday, followed by second practice at 4 p.m. Saturday opens with final practice at 12:30 p.m., then qualifying takes place at 4 p.m. The 56-lap race is set for 3 p.m. Sunday local time, with an 8 p.m. GMT start. The forecast points to warm and mostly dry conditions in Austin. Friday is expected to be sunny. Saturday should stay warm and dry, with cloud cover building through the day. Sunday brings a small chance of rain and strengthening southerly winds, which could add another layer to the race if the weather turns.
Championship stakes
Kimi Antonelli could clinch his first Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship at the United States Grand Prix, which gives the weekend real title weight before the lights go out on Sunday. That possibility makes every session matter, from Friday practice to the final laps of the race. Max Verstappen has won the United States Grand Prix four times before, a record that underlines how much experience he brings to Austin. The combination of a possible title clincher and a past four-time winner gives the event a clear competitive edge, even before the race begins.
Viewing options
Fans can follow every session live on F1 TV Pro or F1 TV Premium, with live timing also available on F1.com and the F1 app. In the United States, Apple TV now includes F1 TV, giving viewers another way to catch the action throughout the weekend. That coverage matters with a schedule that runs from first practice through the race and keeps the track busy for three straight days. F1 ACADEMY also returns to Circuit of The Americas and will run from Thursday through Sunday, adding another layer to the racing program in Austin. The support series gives the venue a full motorsport feel across the weekend and extends the action beyond Formula 1 alone.
