Formula 1 moves from Austin to Mexico City this weekend, with the Drivers’ Championship potentially decided at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Kimi Antonelli’s ninth victory of the season at the United States Grand Prix has left the Mercedes driver 123 points clear of team-mate George Russell.
The equation is straightforward. As we explain in our guide to what Antonelli needs to win the F1 world title in Mexico, a ninth-place finish or better will make him world champion. Even if he fails to score, the title will be his if neither Russell nor Lewis Hamilton wins the race.
Here is how to watch the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix and when every F1 session starts in the UK and on the US East Coast.
Mexico City Grand Prix weekend timetable
The weekend runs from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1, with the Grand Prix starting at 2pm local time on Sunday.
That is 8pm in the UK and 3pm on the US East Coast.
One complication for American viewers is the end of daylight saving time. Friday and Saturday’s sessions take place in EDT, but the clocks move back early on Sunday, meaning the race is listed in EST.
| Day | Session | Mexico City | UK | US East Coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Practice 1 | 12.30pm | 6.30pm GMT | 2.30pm EDT |
| Friday | Practice 2 | 4pm | 10pm GMT | 6pm EDT |
| Saturday | Practice 3 | 11.30am | 5.30pm GMT | 1.30pm EDT |
| Saturday | Qualifying | 3pm | 9pm GMT | 5pm EDT |
| Sunday | Grand Prix | 2pm | 8pm GMT | 3pm EST |
The 71-lap race takes place around the 4.304km Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
How to watch the Mexico City Grand Prix in the UK
Sky Sports F1 will show every session live in the UK.
Friday’s coverage begins at 6pm before first practice at 6.30pm, with FP2 following at 10pm.
Third practice starts at 5.30pm on Saturday before qualifying at 9pm. Sky’s Grand Prix build-up begins at 6.30pm on Sunday, with the race starting at 8pm.
Sky subscribers can also stream the weekend through the Sky Sports app, while the same coverage is available without a long-term Sky subscription through a NOW Sports membership.
Channel 4 will show free-to-air highlights rather than live coverage.
How to watch the Mexico City Grand Prix in the United States
US viewers can watch the Mexico City weekend through F1 TV, with F1 TV Pro and Premium carrying live on-track coverage.
The time change on Sunday is the detail to watch. Practice and qualifying are shown in Eastern Daylight Time, while daylight saving ends before the race.
That puts lights out at 3pm EST on Sunday for viewers on the East Coast.
Why is the Mexico City Grand Prix different?
Altitude is the defining characteristic of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
The circuit sits more than 2,000 metres above sea level, where thinner air changes the aerodynamic and cooling demands placed on the cars.
Teams can fit relatively large wings without suffering the drag penalty they would encounter at sea level, but those wings also generate less downforce in the thinner air. Cooling the power unit and brakes presents another challenge.
It is part of what has made this one of F1’s more distinctive venues. Our look at the history of the Mexican Grand Prix covers how the race developed into the modern Mexico City event, while our selection of five classic Mexican Grands Prix revisits some of its standout races.
The long run to Turn 1 is another defining feature, creating a powerful slipstream opportunity for cars starting behind the front row.
Can Antonelli win the F1 title in Mexico?
Yes. Antonelli needs only two points to guarantee the championship, making ninth place enough regardless of what happens elsewhere.
His advantage also means he can clinch the title without scoring. Russell and Hamilton both need victory to retain any mathematical hope of extending the fight.
It leaves Antonelli with little incentive to take unnecessary risks as he attempts to become Formula 1’s youngest world champion.
The title fight is also one of several that could move decisively this weekend. Our motorsport weekend preview covers the key F1, MotoGP and NASCAR championship permutations before the action begins.
For the latest updates from Mexico and across the racing world, follow the Read Motorsport news hub.
Want every motorsport story in one place? Read all the latest motorsport news on Read Motorsport.
Comments.
Loading comments…