2026 US Grand Prix: Friday’s Full Schedule Revealed for Austin Fans

Indian Formula 1 enthusiasts can now plan their weekend around the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, thanks to a clear Friday schedule released by the FIA and detailed by AutohebdoF1 and Motorsport.com. The event kicks off on Friday, 5th November, with a full day of sessions that will set the tone for the weekend’s battle for points.

Friday’s Session Breakdown

• 09:00 IST (00:00 UTC) – Free Practice 1 (FP1) begins. Teams will test tyre strategies and fine‑tune their cars on the 5.513‑km Circuit of the Americas.
• 11:00 IST (04:00 UTC) – Free Practice 2 (FP2) starts, giving drivers a second chance to gauge the track’s evolving grip levels.
• 13:00 IST (06:00 UTC) – Free Practice 3 (FP3) kicks off, the final practice session before the Saturday qualifying showdown.
• 15:00 IST (08:00 UTC) – Qualifying session, where the top ten lap times will determine the grid for the 2026 United States Grand Prix.
• 18:30 IST (11:30 UTC) – The official start of the 2026 United States Grand Prix, a 56‑lap race that will test both speed and strategy.

While the schedule follows the standard F1 weekend format, the Austin track’s unique layout—combining long straights with tight, technical corners—means teams will be especially keen to extract maximum performance from their power units and aerodynamics. The 2026 season will also see the introduction of the new hybrid power‑train regulations, adding another layer of intrigue to the Friday sessions as teams fine‑tune their setups.

For India: How to Watch Live

Indian fans can catch every moment of the 2026 United States Grand Prix on FanCode, the official streaming platform for Formula 1 in India. The Friday sessions will be available live with commentary in Hindi and English, and the platform offers a 30‑minute free trial for new subscribers. For those who prefer a traditional broadcast, the race will also air on Star Sports 1, with commentary in Hindi, English, and regional languages.

To stay updated on any last‑minute changes—such as weather‑related delays or session rescheduling—fans are encouraged to follow the official F1 Twitter handle and the FanCode app’s live alerts. With the schedule now confirmed, Indian fans have all the information they need to tune in, cheer on their favourite drivers, and experience the thrill of the Circuit of the Americas from the comfort of their homes.

Source: AutohebdoF1, Motorsport.com