First practice underway for 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin

Live from the Circuit of the Americas

Formula 1 action has returned to the Circuit of the Americas as teams and drivers take to the track for the first practice session of the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin. Follow our live coverage of the opening 60-minute practice as the grid prepares for a race weekend running October 23-25.

The first practice session offers teams and drivers their initial opportunity to dial in setups and gather critical aerodynamic and tyre data around the 20-corner Texas layout, ahead of qualifying and the grand prix itself.

What to watch this weekend

With the 2026 campaign reaching its North American stretch, attention is also turning to the wider narrative. George Russell has described how the 2026 season has "tested my character and resilience," while Max Verstappen has publicly backed team principal Laurent Mekies' recent Red Bull contract extension — a deal Red Bull confirmed earlier this month through to 2031.

Fans can also look ahead to what has been billed as a thrilling 2027 battle among F1's leading teams as the new regulations era takes shape.