United States Grand Prix 2026 Warm‑Up Highlights and Apple TV Streaming Details for Indian Viewers

The 2026 United States Grand Prix entered its final preparation stage on Saturday with a one‑hour warm‑up at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). According to Formula1.com, the session saw Red Bull’s Max Verstappen post the fastest lap of 1:35.842, edging out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by just 0.12 seconds. Mercedes struggled for pace, with Lewis Hamilton qualifying only ninth in the warm‑up, a sign that the team may need to fine‑tune its low‑downforce setup for the high‑speed Austin layout.

Other notable performances included McLaren’s Lando Norris, who topped the medium‑compound tyre sector times, indicating the team’s progress with its 2026 aerodynamic package. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon managed a solid run in the middle of the field, while rookie Oscar Piastri impressed with a clean lap that placed him just outside the top ten, a promising sign for the Australian’s debut season.

While the warm‑up offered a glimpse of form, the real focus for fans is the race itself on Sunday. Apple confirmed that the United States Grand Prix will be streamed live on Apple TV + in all territories where the service is available, including India. The Apple press release states that the race will be broadcast in high‑definition with a dedicated commentary team, and that fans can access the stream via the Apple TV + app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and the web.

For Indian viewers, the race will start at 02:30 IST on Sunday, 20 October 2026. The Apple TV + subscription costs ₹199 per month in India, and the platform offers a free 7‑day trial for new users, which can be a convenient way to watch the Grand Prix without a traditional pay‑TV package. Additionally, FanCode will provide a live‑stream link for those who prefer a domestic OTT service, though the Apple feed remains the official broadcast partner.

With the warm‑up indicating a tight battle between Red Bull and Ferrari, and Apple’s streaming arrangement ensuring a smooth viewing experience for Indian fans, the US Grand Prix promises to be a marquee event in the 2026 season. Keep an eye on the final practice later today for any last‑minute adjustments before the race start.

Source: Formula1.com