Historical weekend?
The Formula 1 season continues in Austin, Texas, as the drivers head to the Circuit of The Americas for the United States Grand Prix. Known for its challenging corners, dramatic elevation changes and passionate fans, COTA is one of the most recognisable venues on the F1 calendar.
But why is this a race weekend you really don't want to miss? Because it could become a historic one! Kimi Antonelli has the chance to secure the Formula 1 World Championship in Austin. If he gets the job done, he would make history as the youngest World Champion the sport has ever seen.
Circuit of The Americas
The Circuit of The Americas, commonly known as COTA, first hosted Formula 1 in 2012. Designed by Hermann Tilke in collaboration with American architectural firm HKS, the circuit quickly became a popular stop on the calendar.
One of the circuit's most distinctive features is the steep uphill approach to Turn 1. Drivers arrive at a blind corner where choosing the right line is crucial, especially when several cars arrive side by side.
The famous sequence of fast corners from Turns 3 to 6 rewards precision and rhythm. Later in the lap, the slower stadium section demands heavy braking and good traction on corner exit. The long straight also gives drivers an opportunity to attack, making overtaking an important part of the race.
Looking back: What happened in 2025?
Max Verstappen arrived in Austin in 2025 and delivered a commanding performance, converting pole position into victory. Lando Norris finished second for McLaren, with Charles Leclerc taking third for Ferrari.
The start played an important role in shaping the race. Verstappen got away cleanly, while Norris had a slower getaway. Leclerc took advantage and moved ahead of the McLaren driver at Turn 1, setting up an important battle for the remaining podium positions.
Norris eventually finished +7.959 seconds behind Verstappen, while Leclerc crossed the line another +7.414 seconds later. Oscar Piastri, who was leading the championship at the time, finished fifth. Verstappen's win helped him reduce the gap to Piastri in the title fight.
Austin also hosted a dramatic Sprint in 2025. Verstappen won that race too, while both McLaren drivers retired following a first-lap collision involving Piastri and Norris.
Previous winners
| Year | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2024 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2022 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2021 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
What should you look out for this weekend?
Championship Battle
Kimi Antonelli could already become World Champion this weekend! But what exactly does he need to do to secure the title in Austin? The Mercedes driver must win the race, while his teammate George Russell needs to finish ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton must finish fifth or lower.
Want to know more about this thrilling championship battle and exactly how Antonelli could make history? Click here to read our full blog!
What time does the AustinGP start in my timezone?
Free practice 1
🕧 Austin: 12:30 PM
- Las Vegas (PDT): 10:30 AM
- London (BST): 6:30 PM
- Berlin (CEST): 7:30 PM
- Moscow (MSK): 8:30 PM
- Dubai (GST): 9:30 PM
- India (IST): 11:00 PM
- China (CST): 1:30 AM*
- Singapore (SGT): 1:30 AM*
- Tokyo (JST): 2:30 AM*
- Melbourne (AEDT): 5:30 AM*
- New York (EDT): 1:30 PM
Free practice 2
🕓 Austin: 4:00 PM
- Las Vegas (PDT): 2:00 PM
- London (BST): 12:00 AM*
- Berlin (CEST): 1:00 AM*
- Moscow (MSK): 2:00 AM*
- Dubai (GST): 3:00 AM*
- India (IST): 4:30 AM*
- China (CST): 6:00 AM*
- Singapore (SGT): 6:00 AM*
- Tokyo (JST): 7:00 AM*
- Melbourne (AEDT): 10:00 AM*
- New York (EDT): 5:00 PM
Free practice 3
🕧 Austin: 12:30 PM
- Las Vegas (PDT): 10:30 AM
- London (BST): 6:30 PM
- Berlin (CEST): 7:30 PM
- Moscow (MSK): 8:30 PM
- Dubai (GST): 9:30 PM
- India (IST): 11:00 PM
- China (CST): 1:30 AM*
- Singapore (SGT): 1:30 AM*
- Tokyo (JST): 2:30 AM*
- Melbourne (AEDT): 5:30 AM*
- New York (EDT): 1:30 PM
Qualifying
🕓 Austin: 4:00 PM
- Las Vegas (PDT): 2:00 PM
- London (BST): 12:00 AM*
- Berlin (CEST): 1:00 AM*
- Moscow (MSK): 2:00 AM*
- Dubai (GST): 3:00 AM*
- India (IST): 4:30 AM*
- China (CST): 6:00 AM*
- Singapore (SGT): 6:00 AM*
- Tokyo (JST): 7:00 AM*
- Melbourne (AEDT): 10:00 AM*
- New York (EDT): 5:00 PM
United States grand prix
🕒 Austin: 3:00 PM
- Las Vegas (PDT): 1:00 PM
- London (BST): 11:00 PM
- Berlin (CEST): 12:00 AM*
- Moscow (MSK): 1:00 AM*
- Dubai (GST): 2:00 AM*
- India (IST): 3:30 AM*
- China (CST): 5:00 AM*
- Singapore (SGT): 5:00 AM*
- Tokyo (JST): 6:00 AM*
- Melbourne (AEDT): 9:00 AM*
- New York (EDT): 4:00 PM
* Next Day
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