F1, U.S. Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli in the Running for the Title. Schedule and Where to Watch It on TV
Formula 1 returns to the track in Austin for the United States Grand Prix, the 18th round of the 2026 World Championship. At the Circuit of the Americas, the spotlight is primarily on Kimi Antonelli, who could clinch the world title as early as Sunday, and on Ferrari, which is expected to introduce new technical updates. Here’s everything you need to know about the weekend’s schedule, including Italian times and information on how to watch the sessions live and on delay.
The weekend in Texas could prove decisive in the title race. Kimi Antonelli, in fact, has his first world championship “match point” of the season: the Mercedes driver can be crowned champion as early as Austin if he wins, provided that George Russell finishes ninth or worse and Lewis Hamilton does not finish higher than fifth. The young Italian is therefore called upon to seize this first opportunity to mathematically clinch the world title.
Keep an eye on Max Verstappen as well, fresh off victories in Malaysia and Singapore and determined to maintain his position at the top. The U.S. Grand Prix represents a crucial milestone both for the title race and for the balance of power among the top teams.
Ferrari needs to deliver a strong performance on the Texas track, where it is bringing technical updates to the SF-26, including modifications to the sidepods and underbody. Charles Leclerc spoke of a small step forward, while Lewis Hamilton does not necessarily expect a shift in the pecking order. Free practice sessions will be crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the new parts and determining whether Ferrari can close the gap on its rivals. The two Maranello cars will also take to the track with a special livery created in collaboration with sponsor HP, featuring graphics inspired by the technical drawings and engineering designs that accompany the creation of a race car.
Over the years, the Circuit of the Americas has delivered hard-fought races and memorable duels, thanks in part to the overtaking opportunities offered by the Texas track. In 2018, Kimi Räikkönen secured what would be his final Formula 1 victory with Ferrari, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Also worth noting is the very first race in 2012, won by Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren in a close battle with Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull. More recently, Ferrari claimed victory in 2024, when Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line ahead of his teammate Carlos Sainz, securing a one-two finish for the Maranello team. The most successful driver in Austin is Hamilton, with six wins, followed by Verstappen with four. Räikkönen, Leclerc, Sebastian Vettel, and Valtteri Bottas have each claimed one victory at the Texas circuit.
On the eve of the Grand Prix, the track has also come under the spotlight due to the condition of the asphalt. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris expressed concern about the numerous bumps at various points along the track, which put a strain on the cars and make driving more challenging. This is an issue to keep an eye on as the weekend unfolds, which is already packed with storylines to follow.
Where to watch the F1 United States Grand Prix on TV and streaming
The entire weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sport F1 and streamed on NOW. Sky subscribers can also watch the sessions via Sky Go.
For those without a subscription, TV8 will air the qualifying sessions and the race on free-to-air TV on a delayed basis: qualifying will be broadcast overnight from Saturday to Sunday.
The weekend schedule:
Friday, October 23
– 7:30 p.m.: Free Practice 1
– 11:00 p.m.: Free Practice 2
Saturday, October 24
– 7:30 p.m.: Free Practice 3
– 11:00 p.m.: Qualifying
Sunday, October 25
– 9:00 p.m.: Race
TV8 schedule
– Sunday, October 25, 12:30 a.m.: Delayed broadcast of Qualifying
– Sunday, October 25, 10:30 p.m.: Delayed broadcast of the Race
