2026 United States GP start time: how to watch, live stream and F1 schedule
Watch F1 via live stream or on TV: dates and start time for the 2026 United States Grand Prix
COTA kicks off the final triple-header of the season
Grand Prix Photo
Formula 1 is back in the United States Grand Prix, with the Circuit of the Americas hosting the 18th round of the 2026 season.
Kimi Antonelli has his first match point in Austin, which could crown him as the youngest champion in the sport’s history.
The weekend follows the traditional format, with three practice sessions spread across Friday and Saturday before qualifying determines the grid for Sunday’s race.
For UK viewers, the time difference means the action runs into the evening, with the grand prix getting under way at 8pm on Sunday, October 25 – when the clocks go back an hour. Sky Sports F1 will show every session live, while Channel 4 will provide free-to-air highlights for those unable to watch the action as it happens.
Here are the key session start times and details of how to watch the 2026 United States GP.
2026 United States GP F1 start times, streaming & TV schedule
Times are BST on Friday and Saturday, and GMT on Sunday, when the clocks go back an hour
Friday, October 23
| Session | Session start time | Live TV coverage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | 6.30pm | 6pm, Sky Sports F1 | — |
| Practice 2 | 10pm | 9.45pm, Sky Sports F1 | — |
Saturday, October 24
| Session | Session start time | Live TV coverage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 3 | 6.30pm | 6.15pm, Sky Sports F1 | — |
| GP Qualifying | 10pm | 8.30pm, Sky Sports F1 | 1.05am, Channel 4 (Sunday) |
Sunday, October 25
| Session | Session start time | Live TV coverage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States Grand Prix | 8pm | 6.30pm, Sky Sports F1 | 12.15am, Channel 4 (Monday) |
How to watch F1: United States GP broadcast & streaming guide
Formula 1 heads to Austin, Texas, for the United States Grand Prix, with the championship battle continuing at the Circuit of the Americas.
The weekend follows the standard format, with two practice sessions on Friday and a third on Saturday before qualifying that evening. The grand prix takes place on Sunday, October 25, with the race starting at 8pm UK time.
Live TV
Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session live across the United States GP weekend, starting with Practice 1 at 6.30pm BST on Friday and concluding with Sunday’s race at 8pm GMT.
Sky’s coverage includes all three practice sessions, qualifying and the grand prix itself. Sky Sports Main Event will also show selected coverage, including the race, giving UK viewers several options for watching the action live.
Live stream
Sky subscribers can stream the full weekend through the Sky Sports app or Sky Go, depending on their package. Viewers can also access onboard camera feeds from individual drivers to follow the action from their preferred perspective.
For those without a Sky subscription, NOW offers live coverage through either a Day Membership or a cancel-anytime Month Membership. The live stream of the United States Grand Prix begins at 8pm GMT on Sunday, October 25.
The official F1 app is another way to keep up with the weekend, providing live timing, results and session updates. However, live video coverage is not available through the app in the UK.
Highlights
Channel 4 will offer free-to-air highlights of the United States GP weekend for viewers who cannot watch the sessions live. Qualifying highlights are scheduled for 1.05am on Sunday, October 25, while the race highlights will be shown at 12.15pm on Monday, October 26.