Formula 1 is trading European glamour for Texas BBQ this weekend as the paddock rolls into Austin for the United States Grand Prix. If you like your racing fast, loud, and full of high-stakes drama, you won’t want to miss a second of the action at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Before you set your alarms for an early Monday morning, here is everything you need to know about the track, the title fight, and how to watch it all unfold.
Above is a great breakdown of the circuit to give you a feel for what the drivers are up against this weekend.
A Brief History of COTA
When Formula 1 returned to the United States in 2012 after a four-year absence, it needed a purpose-built home. Enter the Circuit of the Americas.
Located just outside downtown Austin, this 5.513-kilometre, 56-lap track was designed to test every limit of an F1 car. It borrows inspiration from some of the best corners in the world—like Silverstone’s Maggotts and Becketts and Hockenheim’s stadium section—and blends them into a fast, flowing rollercoaster. The signature feature is the massive, daunting hill climbing up into Turn 1, a blind left-hander that almost guarantees opening-lap chaos.
Who to Watch
The 2026 season has been nothing short of electric, and the stakes in Texas are astronomical.
All eyes are on Mercedes’ young prodigy Kimi Antonelli. Arriving in Austin with a massive 102-point lead, he has a legitimate shot at making history this weekend. If the results fall his way, the 20-year-old could walk away as the youngest World Champion the sport has ever seen.
But he will have to fight for it. Max Verstappen is heavily favoured for the race win and is always a looming threat on a track that demands precision. Meanwhile, Australian fans will be cheering loud for Oscar Piastri. Currently sitting seventh in the championship, the McLaren driver will be looking to shake off a tough run and fight his way onto the podium on a low-grip surface that has historically challenged him.
How to Watch in Australia
Because it is a standard race weekend format (no Sprint this time around), you can focus your energy on Qualifying and the main event.
The time difference means setting an early alarm, but thankfully, Qualifying lands at a very reasonable hour. Fox Sports holds the exclusive live rights in Australia, meaning you will need Kayo Sports or Foxtel to catch the sessions live. Network 10 will have a highlights package available after the fact and you’ll also be able to watch those on Youtube.
Qualifying (Sunday, 25 October):
- AEDT (Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra): 8:00 AM
- AEST (Brisbane): 7:00 AM
- ACDT (Adelaide): 7:30 AM
- AWST (Perth): 5:00 AM
Race Day (Monday, 26 October):
- AEDT: 7:00 AM
- AEST: 6:00 AM
- ACDT: 6:30 AM
- AWST: 4:00 AM
Make sure the coffee machine is ready to go on Monday morning. Enjoy the race!
