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US GP 2026: Austin Race, UK Start Times

Formula 1’s 2026 United States Grand Prix returns to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, from 22 to 25 October. The weekend opens with an F1 Academy practice on Thursday, followed by three full‑day sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The main race will run on Sunday, 25 October, with the UK start time set for 8 pm local time and a build‑up at 6:30 pm. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the event live in the UK, while non‑Sky customers can stream through a NOW day or month pass. The 3.4‑mile, 20‑corner circuit is famed for its steep uphill start, high‑speed Esses, and a reverse triple‑apex reminiscent of Istanbul Park, demanding precise tyre management and driver skill. Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship, will be a focal point as he seeks to close the gap to rivals, while teams prepare for the circuit’s heavy braking zones and long straight. Weather forecasts predict temperatures above 30 °C across the weekend, with a 50 % chance of rain during the race, adding an extra layer of uncertainty for teams and fans alike. Full coverage, including practice, qualifying and race commentary, will be available on Sky Sports F1 and the Sky Sports app for UK viewers.

· Sky Sports

The essential points

  1. 01Race held at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, from 22‑25 Oct 2026, with 8 pm UK start on Sunday
  2. 02Weather forecast: temperatures above 30 °C, 50% chance of rain during the race
  3. 03Practice, qualifying and race schedule detailed; race on Sunday, 25 Oct, with build‑up at 6:30 pm
  4. 04UK viewers can watch live on Sky Sports F1 at 8 pm, with build‑up at 6:30 pm
The full brief

Formula 1’s 2026 United States Grand Prix returns to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, from 22 to 25 October. The weekend opens with an F1 Academy practice on Thursday, followed by three full‑day sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The main race will run on Sunday, 25 October, with the UK start time set for 8 pm local time and a build‑up at 6:30 pm.

Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the event live in the UK, while non‑Sky customers can stream through a NOW day or month pass. The 3. 4‑mile, 20‑corner circuit is famed for its steep uphill start, high‑speed Esses, and a reverse triple‑apex reminiscent of Istanbul Park, demanding precise tyre management and driver skill.

Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship, will be a focal point as he seeks to close the gap to rivals, while teams prepare for the circuit’s heavy braking zones and long straight. Weather forecasts predict temperatures above 30 °C across the weekend, with a 50 % chance of rain during the race, adding an extra layer of uncertainty for teams and fans alike. Full coverage, including practice, qualifying and race commentary, will be available on Sky Sports F1 and the Sky Sports app for UK viewers.