The United States Grand Prix has become one of the standout weekends on the Formula 1 calendar, bringing huge crowds and electric energy to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. From October 17–19, 2025, the season heads into its decisive stretch, with McLaren leading both championships and every point counting toward the title.
High Stakes in Austin
This year’s race weekend follows the sprint format, packing in action across just three days. With McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris locked in a close battle for the drivers’ crown, and Red Bull and Mercedes desperate to close the gap, Austin is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic rounds of the season.
The COTA layout is built for spectacle — a steep climb into Turn 1, sweeping high-speed corners, and several long straights that invite daring overtakes. Add in Austin’s trademark heat and unpredictable winds, and teams will face tough calls on tire wear, strategy, and setup.
Race Schedule and Format
The 2025 United States Grand Prix uses the sprint weekend format, meaning one practice session, followed by sprint qualifying and two races. Here’s the schedule in local Austin time (CDT):
| Session | Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Free Practice | Friday, Oct 17 | 12:30 PM |
| Sprint Qualifying | Friday, Oct 17 | 4:30 PM |
| Sprint Race | Saturday, Oct 18 | 1:00 PM |
| Main Qualifying | Saturday, Oct 18 | 5:00 PM |
| Grand Prix (56 Laps) | Sunday, Oct 19 | 2:00 PM |
Expect warm conditions, with temperatures hovering in the low 30s Celsius — a factor that could make tire management crucial. Teams like Mercedes and Ferrari have struggled with overheating this year, while McLaren’s car has shown consistent balance in hot weather.
Championship Picture
Heading into Austin, McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship on 650 points, well clear of Mercedes (325) and Ferrari (298). Red Bull sits fourth with 290 — a surprise for a team that dominated the previous era.
In the Drivers’ Standings, Oscar Piastri leads with 336 points, just ahead of Lando Norris on 314. Max Verstappen sits third with 273, needing a strong weekend to keep his title hopes alive. Behind them, George Russell will look to continue his good form after winning in Singapore, while local favorites Haas hope to shine in front of their home crowd.
Beyond the racing, COTA’s off-track entertainment includes performances by Kygo and Garth Brooks, adding to the festival atmosphere that makes this event one of F1’s most fan-friendly weekends.
How to Watch the Race
Whether you’re in the U.S., the U.K., or watching from abroad, there are multiple ways to catch every lap of the action.
F1TV
F1TV remains the go-to option for dedicated fans. The platform offers live coverage of all sessions, onboard cameras, team radio, and post-race analysis. Subscriptions are available worldwide, though access may vary by region. In the U.S., you can stream via the F1 TV app or website, with options for ad-free viewing and multiple commentary languages.
Sky Sports (UK & Europe)
In the U.K., Sky Sports F1 holds exclusive rights to broadcast every session live. Subscribers can stream via the Sky Go app, while Channel 4 airs highlights after each race. Sky’s coverage includes expert commentary from Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, and Natalie Pinkham, making it one of the most comprehensive viewing experiences available.
ESPN / ABC (United States)
For American fans, ESPN and ABC will show the U.S. Grand Prix live throughout the weekend. If you’ve cut the cable cord, you can stream the race through Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or Fubo, all of which carry ESPN channels.
Free Streaming Alternatives
Several websites also aggregate live feeds for Formula 1 events, including F1livegp.me, TotalSportek, and Sportsurge. These sites often provide links to unofficial streams that can be accessed worldwide. However, be cautious — these streams can be unstable, include intrusive ads, and may violate broadcast rights. It’s best to use strong antivirus protection and, when possible, rely on legitimate options for a safer and higher-quality experience.
