F1 US Grand Prix qualifying set in Austin

Formula 1’s 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend is underway at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, with qualifying scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 4 p.m. local time. Ferrari entered qualifying in strong form after topping all three practice sessions, with Lewis Hamilton fastest in final practice and pursuing his first pole of the season. Mercedes’ George Russell qualified sixth, saying his lap did not come together in Q3; he hoped to advance and fight for a podium in what he expected to be a close contest among the leading eight cars. The race also carries major championship stakes: Kimi Antonelli holds a 102-point lead over Russell and could clinch his first title in Austin if a specific combination of results goes his way.