---
title: "What time is the 2026 United States GP? UK start time, TV channel and how to watch"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2026/10/21/united-states-gp-2026-uk-start-time-tv-channel-how-to-watch/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2026-10-21T07:57:22Z"
modified: "2026-10-21T07:57:23Z"
---

# What time is the 2026 United States GP? UK start time, TV channel and how to watch

**The 2026 United States Grand Prix takes place in Austin this weekend, with the race starting at 8pm UK time on Sunday 25 October.**

[Formula 1](https://readmotorsport.com/) returns to a conventional weekend format at the Circuit of The Americas, with three practice sessions before qualifying at 10pm on Saturday. Sky Sports F1 will show every session live in the UK.

## United States GP UK times

| Session | Date | UK start | Sky coverage |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Practice 1 | Friday 23 October | 6.30pm | 6pm |
| Practice 2 | Friday 23 October | 10pm | 9.45pm |
| Practice 3 | Saturday 24 October | 6.30pm | 6.15pm |
| Qualifying | Saturday 24 October | 10pm | 9pm |
| United States GP | Sunday 25 October | **8pm** | **6.30pm** |

Sky’s published TV times include the start of its coverage rather than just the sessions themselves. Practice one, for example, starts at 6.30pm, with Sky going on air half an hour earlier. [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13599576/united-states-gp-2026-dates-schedule-austin-weather-uk-start-time-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-f1-race-at-cota-live-on-sky-sports?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

## What time does the United States Grand Prix start?

The United States GP starts at **8pm UK time on Sunday**, with Sky’s build-up beginning at 6.30pm. The race starts at 3pm local time in Austin and is scheduled for 56 laps at the Circuit of The Americas. [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13599576/united-states-gp-2026-dates-schedule-austin-weather-uk-start-time-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-f1-race-at-cota-live-on-sky-sports?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

UK clocks go back overnight from Saturday into Sunday, meaning Sunday’s race time is in GMT rather than BST. Friday and Saturday’s sessions take place before the clock change. [Silverstone](https://www.silverstone.co.uk/news/how-watch-2026-formula-1-united-states-grand-prix?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Kimi Antonelli arrives in Texas with his [first opportunity to clinch the 2026 F1 world championship](https://readmotorsport.com/2026/10/12/how-kimi-antonelli-can-win-f1-title-austin/). The Mercedes driver leads George Russell by 102 points with six Grands Prix remaining.

## How to watch the United States GP in the UK

Sky Sports F1 will show practice, qualifying and the race live, with the weekend also available to stream through NOW. Sunday’s programme begins at 6.30pm before the 8pm race start. [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13599576/united-states-gp-2026-dates-schedule-austin-weather-uk-start-time-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-f1-race-at-cota-live-on-sky-sports?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Channel 4 will show free-to-air highlights of qualifying and the Grand Prix, but does not have live coverage of the Austin race. [Silverstone](https://www.silverstone.co.uk/news/how-watch-2026-formula-1-united-states-grand-prix?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

For the championship picture, recent COTA winners and the main storylines heading into the weekend, our [United States GP race-week guide](https://readmotorsport.com/2026/10/19/f1-united-states-gp-2026-austin-race-week-guide/) has the full preview.

**Keep up with the United States Grand Prix**…

***Follow the latest [F1 news, results and analysis on Read Motorsport](https://readmotorsport.com/) throughout the Austin weekend.***