2026 United States Grand Prix: Full Schedule, IST Timings and How to Watch Live in India

The 2026 Formula 1 season heads to Austin for the United States Grand Prix from 19‑21 October, marking the 18th round of the championship. Formula1.com has released the official timetable, confirming the three‑day weekend format that will see practice, qualifying and the race unfold on a tight schedule that Indian fans can easily follow.

Official Session Schedule (Local Time)

• Friday, 19 October – Free Practice 1 at 13:30 local (CST), Free Practice 2 at 17:00 local.
• Saturday, 20 October – Free Practice 3 at 13:30 local, followed by Qualifying at 17:00 local.
• Sunday, 21 October – Race starts at 20:00 local.

All times are listed in Central Standard Time (CST), the time zone for the Circuit of the Americas. For Indian viewers, the corresponding Indian Standard Time (IST) conversions are:

• FP1 – 02:00 IST (Monday)
• FP2 – 05:30 IST (Monday)
• FP3 – 02:00 IST (Tuesday)
• Qualifying – 05:30 IST (Tuesday)
• Race – 07:30 IST (Wednesday)

These conversions mean Indian fans can catch the action late at night or early morning, fitting comfortably around work schedules for most viewers.

How to Watch in India

The United States Grand Prix will be broadcast live on the official F1 streaming partner for India, FanCode. The platform holds exclusive rights to all live F1 sessions, offering both standard and premium subscription tiers. Fans with a FanCode subscription can stream the sessions on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and web browsers. Additionally, the race will be shown on the sports channel Star Sports 3 as part of the linear TV package for those who prefer traditional broadcasting.

For viewers who use the F1 TV Pro service, the United States GP is also available as part of the global live feed, though local licensing means the FanCode stream will have the most reliable latency and commentary tailored for Indian audiences.

For India: What to Expect

The Austin circuit is known for its high‑speed straights and a mix of technical corners, offering plenty of overtaking opportunities that often shake up the championship standings. With the race scheduled for 07:30 IST on 21 October, Indian fans will be treated to a live spectacle in the early morning, a perfect slot for those who start their day with a cup of chai and a dose of adrenaline.

Fans should also keep an eye on the official F1 social media channels for any last‑minute schedule tweaks, especially if weather conditions affect the weekend programme. The combination of FanCode’s multi‑device streaming and Star Sports’ TV coverage ensures that no matter where you are in India, you won’t miss a moment of the action.

Source: Formula1.com