Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Formula 1 is no exception. As the world’s fastest sport returns to Austin, the city is already buzzing with anticipation. The Circuit of The Americas is coming alive again, drawing fans from around the world to experience the unique mix of speed, sound, and southern hospitality that only Austin can offer.
This isn’t just another race weekend – it’s a full-on celebration of everything that makes the city special. You can feel the energy building downtown and out at the track, where the roar of engines blends with the pulse of live music and the smell of good barbecue drifts through the air. From the moment the first car hits the circuit to the last encore on Sixth Street, Austin knows how to make Formula 1 feel like a true Texas experience.
Formula 1 schedule
All times local – Central Daylight Time, UTC-5
Friday October 17
Free Practice 1: 1230-1330
Sprint Qualifying: 1630-1714
Saturday October 18
Sprint Race 1200-1230
Qualifying 1600-1700
Sunday October 19
National Anthem: 1344-1346
United States Grand Prix 1400-1600
Porsche Carrera Cup North America
All times local – Central Daylight Time, UTC-5
Friday October 17
Porsche Carrera Cup Practice: 1435-1505
Saturday October 18
Porsche Carrera Cup Qualifying: 0945-1015
Porsche Carrera Cup Race 1: 1440-1520
Sunday October 19
Porsche Carrera Cup Race 2: 1100-1140
Live Entertainment
Get to know the headliners of the biggest motorsport and music festival that the US has to offer!
Friday October 17
Kygo: 1900 – 2030 (Electronic / Tropical House)Location: Germania Insurance Super StageAbout: The Norwegian hit-maker lights up Friday night with his signature tropical beats and feel-good festival anthems.
Saturday October 18
Garth Brooks: 1900 – 2030 (Country)Location: Germania Insurance Super StageAbout: A country music icon and seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year headlines Saturday night with timeless hits and singalong anthems.
Sunday October 19
Turnpike Troubadours: Post-Race (Country / Americana)Location: Germania Insurance Super StageAbout: Oklahoma’s finest wrap up the weekend with anthemic Americana and heartfelt country storytelling.
Fanzone
The COTA Fanzone is a world of its own, part motorsport playground and part carnival. It’s the hub of fan activity all weekend, filled with interactive zones, entertainment, and experiences that bring Formula 1 to life beyond the grandstands. Built for fun, fast moments, and share-worthy content, it’s the perfect place to feel the sport’s personality up close before the engines roar back to life.
Pit Stop ChallengeFeel the pressure of a real F1 pit lane as you race the clock to change a tyre faster than the pros. One of the weekend’s most popular attractions, it’s equal parts chaos and bragging rights.
F1 Esports ArenaGo head-to-head on cutting-edge simulators that mirror official F1 Esports rigs, with live leaderboards and prizes for the fastest laps.
Photo Experience ZonesSnap selfies and team photos with full-scale F1 car replicas, trophies, and immersive backdrops made for social-ready moments.
Driver & Team AppearancesMeet your favourite drivers and ambassadors at autograph sessions and fan-stage interviews, with times listed on digital boards around the venue.
Official Merchandise StoresEvery major team is on-site with limited-edition US Grand Prix merchandise, including exclusive Austin-themed collaborations and collectibles.
Fan Stage & Roaming EntertainmentBetween sessions, DJs, dancers, and stunt performers take over the fan stage and plazas, keeping the energy high across the circuit.
Download the COTA app on iPhone or Android, via the website here
Food & Drinks
Come hungry. The United States Grand Prix doubles as a culinary tour of Austin’s best.
Texas BBQ stalls serve up brisket, ribs, and pulled pork straight off the smoker.
Taco trucks and Tex-Mex cantinas keep the fiesta vibes alive.
Local craft breweries and distilleries bring a taste of Austin’s creative spirit to the trackside bars.
Premium hospitality at the United States Grand Prix turns dining into part of the spectacle. Guests enjoy chef curated menus, all-day gourmet service, open bars, and exclusive trackside views across spaces like The Haven, Terrace Suites, and Turn 13 Suites. Every premium ticket delivers an unforgettable way to experience COTA.
While the main action is on the track, fans at the United States Grand Prix will also enjoy top-notch live entertainment and delicious local eats – a true taste of Austin’s vibrant energy that makes the weekend impossible to forget.
/SI202604300016.webp?ssl=1 "All the liveries, special helmet designs and eye-catching looks for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix")
