2026 United States GP First Practice: Austin’s Circuit Sets the Stage
Austin’s Circuit of the Americas saw teams hit the track for the first practice session of the 2026 United States Grand Prix, with drivers pushing the limits of the new 2026 regulations.
On Saturday, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, buzzed with anticipation as Formula 1’s 2026 United States Grand Prix kicked off its first practice session. Per Formula1.com, teams arrived early to acclimatise to the new 2026 regulations, which feature larger front wings, lower aerodynamic drag, and the introduction of the 18‑hour power‑unit allocation. The session, scheduled from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM IST, provided a crucial first look at how the cars would handle the 5.5‑kilometre track’s 20‑turn layout, including the iconic 90‑degree corner on the front straight and the long, high‑speed back straight that has become a staple of American F1 racing.
Mercedes‑Alpine’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen dominated the early laps, each clocking times in the 1:36‑1:37 range. Leclerc’s lap was particularly noteworthy for its smooth apex through Turn 1, showcasing the improved aerodynamic efficiency of the new car design. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s lap featured a daring overtake on the back straight, highlighting the increased straight‑line speed afforded by the 2026 power‑unit changes. Both drivers were keen to test the new 18‑hour power‑unit allocation, a key factor that teams will manage throughout the season.
Other front‑row contenders, such as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and McLaren’s Lando Norris, also posted competitive times, with Sainz’s best lap at 1:37.2 and Norris at 1:37.5. The session saw a mix of high‑speed runs and technical cornering, giving teams valuable data on tyre degradation and aerodynamic balance. Notably, the new 2026 tyre compounds, introduced by Pirelli, were being evaluated for their performance on the track’s abrasive surface, a factor that will influence race strategies.
For Indian fans, the United States GP will be broadcast live on FanCode from 3:30 PM IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. The first practice session, which concluded at 12:30 PM IST, will be available on the FanCode app for replay, allowing viewers to catch every lap and team update. With the 2026 regulations now fully in play, teams are fine‑tuning their setups, and the rest of the weekend promises to deliver the high‑octane action that F1 fans worldwide have come to expect.
Source: Formula1.com