Formula 1 heads to the Circuit of The Americas on Friday, October 23, for the opening two practice sessions of the 2026 United States Grand Prix. With the drivers’ championship potentially nearing its conclusion, the Austin weekend could prove decisive for Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes.
Antonelli arrives with a 102-point lead over teammate George Russell and has an opportunity to clinch his maiden drivers’ championship if the results fall his way. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen will look to continue Red Bull’s recent resurgence after back-to-back victories, while Lewis Hamilton will aim to close the gap as he mathematically remains in the race for the 2026 championship crown.
Photo by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images
Friday also brings a home-soil opportunity for American driver Colton Herta, who is scheduled to take part in FP1 for Cadillac in place of Sergio Perez. His appearance adds another storyline to a practice day that will also give teams their first chance to evaluate their cars and tire performance in Austin.
Here’s the complete schedule for FP1 and FP2, including start times across major U.S. time zones and how to watch both sessions live.
Schedule Start Time and How to Watch F1 US GP FP1 and FP2 Live in the U.S. Today
Both practice sessions take place on Friday, October 23, and last one hour. Here are the start times across the major U.S. time zones.
Session |
Timings |
Free Practice 1 |
1:30 PM ET, 12:30 PM CT, and 10:30 AM PT |
Free Practice 2 |
5:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM CT, and 2:00 PM PT |
Apple TV is the primary destination for live F1 coverage in the United States in 2026. Its agreement with Formula 1 covers every practice session, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix.
- Streaming service: Apple TV
- F1 TV access: Included with an Apple TV subscription in the U.S.
- Coverage: Live practice, qualifying, and race sessions, plus additional onboard cameras, timing, and other viewing features through F1’s coverage offerings.
F1 TV Premium also offers enhanced viewing features, including 4K Ultra HD/HDR and personalized Multiview on supported devices. Availability and access can depend on the subscription and platform, so U.S. viewers should check the current Apple TV and F1 TV options before the sessions begin.
What to Expect From Friday Practice at COTA
Friday’s running will give teams their first full opportunity to assess car balance and tire behavior at the 5.513-kilometer Circuit of The Americas. The weather forecast calls for warm, dry conditions, although high track temperatures could make tire management an important focus.
(Photo by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images)
The championship battle adds another layer of interest. Antonelli has a substantial points cushion, but Mercedes will still need a competitive weekend to convert that advantage into a title. Red Bull’s recent resurgence means Verstappen could also be a major factor in the fight at the front.
FP1 will additionally give Herta a chance to demonstrate his pace in Cadillac machinery on home soil. His appearance makes Friday’s opening session worth watching beyond the usual setup work, while FP2 will provide teams with another hour to prepare for Saturday’s final practice and qualifying.
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