Photo: Circuit of the Americas aerial view by Spheroidite, licensed under CC0 1.0. Resized proportionally; no other changes.
The 2026 United States Grand Prix is at Circuit of the Americas in Austin on 23–25 October, with the race on Sunday 25 October at 3:00 pm local time over 56 laps. There is no sprint this year. Kimi Antonelli arrives with a 102-point championship lead, so Austin could be the weekend the title is settled.
This guide covers the schedule, what to watch for, and how to dress for a race weekend. It is written for fans heading to Texas and for those following from home. Last updated 21 October 2026.
Quick facts
| Dates | 23–25 October 2026 |
| Circuit | Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas |
| Race start | Sunday 25 October, 3:00 pm CT |
| Distance | 56 laps, 308.405 km (5.513 km per lap) |
| Format | Standard weekend, no sprint |
| Turns | 20 |
| Lap record | 1:36.169, Charles Leclerc (2019) |
Session schedule (Central Time)
| Day | Session | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 23 Oct | Practice 1 | 12:30 |
| Fri 23 Oct | Practice 2 | 16:00 |
| Sat 24 Oct | Practice 3 | 12:30 |
| Sat 24 Oct | Qualifying | 16:00 |
| Sun 25 Oct | Race | 15:00 |
Some outlets list GMT or BST times. Check the official F1 or COTA schedule before you travel.
Title watch: can Antonelli clinch in Austin?
After the Singapore Grand Prix, Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings on 340 points. His Mercedes teammate George Russell is second on 238. Lewis Hamilton has 229, Max Verstappen 221, Charles Leclerc 215 and Lando Norris 201.
Photo: Kimi Antonelli, 2025 US Grand Prix, Austin by Kuyper, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized proportionally; no other changes.
Reports say Antonelli could secure his first world championship as early as this race, but it depends on how Russell and the chasing pack score. If he does it, he becomes one of the youngest champions in F1 history.
What makes COTA special
- Turn 1. A steep uphill run into a wide, tight left-hander makes the start one of the best overtaking and chaos spots on the calendar.
- The esses. The fast, flowing section after Turn 1 is inspired by classic European circuits and rewards car balance.
- The crowd and the atmosphere. COTA is built like a festival: concerts, a large general-admission fan base and plenty of space to move around.
- Late-October weather. Expect it to change between sessions. Dress in layers.
What to wear to a race weekend
General-admission and grandstand tickets have no dress code, so comfort comes first.
- A breathable polo or tee for the afternoon. Racing polos are the classic paddock look.
- A light layer such as a quarter-zip or jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
- A cap and sunglasses. There is limited shade.
- Comfortable shoes. You will walk several miles across the venue.
- A phone case you are not afraid to drop, plus a portable charger.
- Sunscreen and a small bag for tickets and essentials.
Gear for your next race weekend
Everything at Kozmozracing is made to order (about 11–17 calendar days from order to delivery), so it will not arrive in time for this weekend. See the shipping timeline. Orders of $100 or more ship free worldwide. If you are going to Mexico City, Las Vegas or next year’s races, order early. Here are four picks from our range, and you can browse more in race weekend racing gear.
Mer 2026 Team Blue Wonder Custom Bomber Jacket
$83.95
An evening layer for cool Texas nights.
- Racing polo shirts, or design your own custom racing polo with your name and number (from $35.95).
- Long-sleeve racing quarter-zips for cooler sessions and racing bomber jackets for evenings.
- Racing caps: most are $24.95, or design your own for $45.95.
- Racing phone cases from $19.95.
Kozmozracing is an independent retailer of racing-inspired fan apparel and gifts. These products are not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Mercedes-AMG, Formula 1, the FIA or any driver.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a sprint at the 2026 US Grand Prix?
No. Austin uses the standard format with three practice sessions, qualifying and the race.
What time does the US Grand Prix start?
The race starts at 3:00 pm Central Time on Sunday 25 October 2026. That is 20:00 in the UK, because UK clocks change that weekend.
Can Antonelli win the championship at the US Grand Prix?
Reports say it is possible. It depends on his result and how Russell and the other contenders score. Check our update after the race for the outcome.
How many laps is the US Grand Prix?
56 laps of the 5.513 km Circuit of the Americas, a total of 308.405 km.
Is there a dress code at an F1 race?
General-admission and grandstand tickets have no dress code. Hospitality and paddock areas typically ask for smart casual.
