2026 F1 United States GP schedule: Austin times, TV coverage and COTA guide

Formula 1 returns to Austin for the 2026 United States Grand Prix, with the championship moving from Asia back to the Americas after Singapore. The race weekend will take place from 23 to 25 October at the Circuit of The Americas, with a traditional format featuring three free practice sessions, qualifying and the Grand Prix.

The Texas venue remains one of the most distinctive challenges on the Formula 1 calendar, combining fast corners, significant elevation changes, long straights and slower technical sections. The varied layout means teams must find a compromise between aerodynamic performance, straight-line efficiency, traction and tyre management over the course of the weekend.

2026 United States GP returns Formula 1 to Austin

The Circuit of The Americas, commonly known as COTA, opened in 2012 and was designed to establish a permanent modern home for Formula 1 in the United States. The circuit hosted its first Grand Prix that same year, marking Formula 1’s return to the country after the previous United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis in 2007.

The track measures 5.513 kilometres and contains 20 corners. The Grand Prix is scheduled over 56 laps, giving a total race distance of 308.405 kilometres. A complete overview of the event, including circuit history, records and additional race information, is available in the ScuderiaFans United States Grand Prix and COTA guide.

The lap begins with the steep climb towards Turn 1, one of the most recognisable braking zones in modern Formula 1. The width of the track gives drivers several possible lines into the corner, making it particularly interesting during the opening phase of the race when several cars can arrive together.

A fast sequence of corners and rapid direction changes follows, with a character reminiscent of the Maggotts and Becketts complex at Silverstone and the esses at Suzuka. Precision from the driver and aerodynamic stability from the car become particularly important through this section.

The long back straight then provides one of the circuit’s main overtaking opportunities before the lap moves into a slower and more technical section where traction and tyre management can play a significant role.

Austin demands a compromise between aerodynamics and tyre management

COTA requires teams to balance several competing demands. The fast corners in the opening sector reward a stable car with strong aerodynamic load, while the long straights make drag reduction and straight-line efficiency equally important.

Elevation changes and surface irregularities add another layer of difficulty. These characteristics can influence car behaviour under heavy braking and through the circuit’s rapid changes of direction, making setup work especially important during practice.

Tyre management will also play a significant role. The numerous high-speed corners generate substantial lateral loads, while ambient temperatures and track evolution throughout the weekend could influence strategic choices.

The circuit’s variety also makes Austin a useful reference for comparing how the different cars perform across contrasting sections. Previous analysis has highlighted an SF-26 characteristic that could suit Ferrari in Austin, adding further interest to the technical picture at COTA.

United States Grand Prix has become a key Formula 1 event

Over the years, the United States Grand Prix has become one of the most important events in Formula 1’s expansion in the American market. The success of the Austin race has helped consolidate the championship’s presence in the country, which now also hosts events in Miami and Las Vegas.

The 2026 United States GP also arrives during the later stages of the championship, when every individual result can carry increasing importance in the fight for the final standings. The full season schedule can be followed through the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.

2026 United States GP schedule and where to watch on TV

The 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend will use the traditional Formula 1 format, with two free practice sessions on Friday, final practice and qualifying on Saturday, followed by the Grand Prix on Sunday.

Sky Sport F1 will broadcast the weekend live, with live streaming available through NOW

Fans can also follow and discuss every session through ScuderiaFans social channels, including the Facebook Group, Threads, X, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.