2026 United States Grand Prix
Race Hub
It’s almost time for one of the biggest race weekends of the season. Formula 1 is heading to Austin for the 2026 United States Grand Prix. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of visiting COTA on October 23-25!
Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, has been host of the United States Grand Prix since 2012. The track has become a firm fan-favourite and the trackside experience is one of the best on the calendar, complete with an expanded on-track schedule, fan zones and big name nightly concerts.
Over 400,000 fans are expected to be at COTA over the three days of what could be a title-deciding 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend. Located on the outskirts of lively Austin, this year’s COTA race weekend is set to be one to remember.
Still searching for tickets for the 2026 United States Grand Prix? A limited number remain available via Grand Prix Events, including a selection of 3-day grandstand seats and Papaya Club hospitality by McLaren.
Accessing the Circuit
The Red Bull Ring is one of the most isolated circuits on the current F1 calendar. The closest major city is Graz, approximately one hour away by car. This isolation is probably why the Austrian Grand Prix is one of the F1 year’s most popular weekends for trackside camping!
- Location Map: Circuit of The Americas
- Driving, Parking & Transport: COTA’s shuttle service is the most convenient way to get from the city to the circuit, though be aware that queueing for the shuttle can take time and traffic can be congested. Be sure to leave plenty of time for your journey. Shuttles leave from downtown Austin (Waterloo Park/Moody Amphitheater) and northeast of the city (Travis County Expo Center). Driving yourself to COTA is also a viable option. You’ll need a valid parking pass to access the circuit.
- Entrance Gates & Opening Times: Circuit gates will open at 09:00 on Friday and 08:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Parking lots will be open one hour prior to gates opening. Re-admission is permitted at COTA, but make sure you scan your ticket before exiting.
F1 Paddock Club at the 2026 United States Grand Prix
The main F1 Paddock Club suites at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) are located above the pits on the inside of the start/finish straight. In 2026, another section of the Paddock Club, home to Club Suite 1 and House 44, is located in the newly constructed building which overlooks Turn 1.
- Finding the Paddock Club, Parking & Shuttles: If you have purchased Paddock Club parking, this is located in Lot A and is served by PaddockClub shuttles that will take you to the main Paddock Club building or the new Turn 1 suite. Taxis are available at the McAngus Lot, which is also served by Paddock Club shuttles. View the map and information here.
- Paddock Club Map: Find out the opening and closing times, as well as timings for the all-important pit lane walks and track tours. Check the maps: Main Suite / Turn 1 Suite.
- Paddock Club Schedule: Find out the opening and closing times, as well as the all-important pit lane walks and track tours. Download here.
- F1 Paddock Club App: We recommend downloading the official app for the guest guide and latest trackside updates. You will also need the app in order to enter the daily ballot for track tours and other experiences. Download here: Apple / Google Play
F1 Experiences at the 2026 United States Grand Prix
Purchased an Official Ticket Package for the 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend? Find all the need-to-know information and the answers to frequently asked questions on the guest information page. A limited number of ticket packages are still available. See the full selection here.
2026 United States Grand Prix Weekend Schedule
This year, there will be three support categories at the United States Grand Prix: F1 Academy, Masters Historic and Porsche Carrera Cup North America. Each series will hold multiple races across the weekend. It’s worth noting that F1 Academy will hold practice and qualifying sessions on Thursday. More information below. The local F1 times for this year’s United States Grand Prix are listed here. The full on-track timetable is available here.
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Friday, 23 October
- 12:30-13:30: Free Practice 1
- 16:30-17:30: Free Practice 2
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Saturday, 24 October
- 12:30-13:30: Free Practice 3
- 16:00-17:00: Qualifying
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Sunday, June 28
- 15:00-17:00: Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix 2026 (56 laps or 120 minutes)
Trackside Entertainment at the 2026 United States Grand Prix
- Fan Zone: The F1 fan zone is located near Germania Insurance Amphitheater. This is where drivers will be interviewed on stage on Friday and Saturday in the F1 Fan Forum.
- Food & Drink: There’s a decent selection of food and drink stalls at COTA. Stalls are located close to the circuit’s grandstands. Various water refill points are available around the track too.
- Payment: COTA is a cashless venue. Anything you buy at the track will need to be paid for by card. Note that there are no ATMs on site.
- Trackside Concerts: Maroon 5 and Post Malone will headline the 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend, performing at the Germania Insurance Super Stage between Turns 10 and 11 on Friday and Saturday night respectively. Alesso will headline the post-race concert on Sunday, which takes place at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. The full line-up of acts, including local bands, performing across race weekend can be found here.
Elevate your weekend at the 2026 United States Grand Prix
Get the most from your time trackside at the 2026 United States Grand Prix with our tips!
- Grand Prixview - For the first time, COTA will be open on Thursday at the 2026 United States Grand Prix! 3-day ticket holders will be admitted free of charge. There’ll be a pit lane walk, access to the fan zone and on-track action from F1 Academy.
- COTALAND - New for 2026, COTA opened the gates to its new theme park in September. Take in the 34 rides at the new 30-acre site across race weekend. An unlimited 3-day ride wristband is available for $109
- COTA Observation Tower - Get unbelievable views of the track from the top of COTA’s iconic observation tower!
- Track Invasion - Get on the track after the race! Access points are at the Main Grandstand, and at Turns 1, 2 and 19.
- COTA App - Download the COTA App for maps, FAQs and full schedules. Available on Apple and Android.
Please Note: This information is correct at the time of publishing and subject to change. We are not responsible for any inaccurate information displayed. For up to date information about attending the United States Grand Prix, please visit the Circuit of The Americas website.