F1 United States Grand Prix Opens Americas Triple-Header

The 2026 United States Grand Prix is scheduled for October 23–25 at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, with the race set for Sunday at 4 p.m. ET and U.S. coverage on Apple TV. It opens the Americas triple-header in a no-Sprint format, with three practice sessions. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli holds a 102-point lead and could clinch the title five races early; Max Verstappen, a two-time winner in the previous two Grands Prix and a four-time COTA winner, is favored to win. COTA has resurfaced the section from Turns 9 to 11 and smoothed bumps near Turns 12 and 19, while changing temperatures and the circuit’s fast corners and technical sections are expected to test grip, setup and tire management; Pirelli has selected the C2, C3 and C4 compounds. McLaren is looking to respond to a disappointing recent run, with Andrea Stella and Lando Norris stressing lessons learned and improved execution. Austin is also hosting race-week pop-ups and fan events, including team-themed activations and downtown entertainment.