2026 United States Grand Prix at COTA – Full Timetable and How to Watch in India

The 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix returns to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, from 20 October to 22 October. Both News.gp and Yahoo Sports have published the official weekend timetable, confirming the session start times and the broadcast schedule for the race weekend.

Weekend schedule (all times in local COTA time, UTC‑5)

• Friday, 20 October – Free Practice 1 at 13:30, Free Practice 2 at 17:00.
• Saturday, 21 October – Free Practice 3 at 12:30, followed by Qualifying at 16:00.
• Sunday, 22 October – Race at 15:00.

Converting these times to Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30) gives Indian fans the following schedule:

• FP1 – 00:00 IST (midnight) on 21 October
• FP2 – 03:30 IST on 21 October
• FP3 – 23:00 IST on 21 October
• Qualifying – 02:30 IST on 22 October
• Race – 01:30 IST on 23 October

For Indian viewers, the race will therefore start in the early hours of 23 October, making it a prime-time watch for night‑owls and a perfect slot for fans who prefer a late‑night viewing experience.

How to watch in India

The official broadcaster for Formula 1 in India remains FanCode, which holds the digital streaming rights for the 2026 season. Fans can access live coverage via the FanCode app or website on a subscription basis. In addition, the race will be simulcast on the Star Sports network, with a delayed telecast scheduled for the following morning to accommodate a broader audience.

Both platforms will provide pre‑race analysis, pit‑lane interviews, and post‑race highlights. FanCode also offers a multi‑camera feed, team radio, and on‑board footage, which is especially useful for viewers who want an immersive experience of the COTA circuit’s famous elevation changes and the iconic "COTA Turn 1" uphill sweep.

What to expect at COTA

COTA is known for its technical layout, featuring a mix of high‑speed straights and tight, twisty sections that test both driver skill and car aerodynamics. The 2026 race will be the third US Grand Prix in a row at this venue, and teams have already begun to fine‑tune their low‑downforce packages for the track’s long back‑straight and heavy braking zones. Expect a strategic battle over tyre choices, especially with the new 2026 tyre specifications that favour softer compounds on the hotter October days.

Indian fans should also keep an eye on the rookie drivers who will be making their debut in the 2026 season, as the COTA circuit often produces surprise results for newcomers who can exploit the track’s overtaking opportunities.

Source: Yahoo Sports