United States Grand Prix · Analysis
F1 Academy Austin 2026: race schedule and essential fan guide
Your F1 Academy Austin 2026 guide: race times, qualifying format, paddock access, autograph sessions and driver appearances at the United States GP.
F1 Academy returns to Austin on October 22–25, bringing three races and an accessible paddock to the United States Grand Prix weekend.
Round 5 stretches across four days at the Circuit of the Americas, with Thursday qualifying setting up a busy programme. Alongside the racing, ticket holders can meet drivers and attend autograph sessions.
Austin session times
All times below are local to Austin (UTC−5).
- Thursday, October 22: Practice, 12:25–13:05
- Thursday, October 22: Qualifying, 16:30–17:00
- Friday, October 23: Opening Race, 17:50–18:25
- Saturday, October 24: Reverse Grid Race, 18:00–18:35
- Sunday, October 25: Feature Race, 12:00–12:30
Consistency in qualifying will matter: each driver’s second-fastest lap determines their Opening Race grid position. Saturday reverses the top eight qualifiers, offering a different competitive challenge before Sunday’s Feature Race.
For the wider championship picture, read our analysis of the Palmowski–Felbermayr title battle.
Fans watching from Europe should account for Sunday’s change from daylight saving time when converting the Austin schedule.
Paddock access and opening hours
The F1 Academy paddock is open to all ticket holders, opposite the Formula 1 Champions’ Club on the route towards the Main Grandstand.
Opening hours are:
- Thursday: 09:00–17:30
- Friday: 09:00–19:00
- Saturday: 08:30–19:00
- Sunday: 08:30–18:30
That access offers spectators a chance to see the working environment behind the racing, rather than watching solely from the grandstands.
How to meet the drivers
Autograph sessions take place on Friday and Saturday from 15:00–15:30, followed by Sunday from 09:45–10:15.
Places are limited. Collect a wristband from the paddock archway at 09:00 on the relevant day to secure entry.
Saturday’s F1 Fanstage appearance runs from 11:10–11:30. Kaylee Countryman, Ava Dobson and Payton Westcott join Alba Larsen, Rafaela Ferreira and Austin wild card Alexia Danielsson.
Following from home
The guide lists free coverage on F1 Academy’s YouTube channel, alongside F1 TV, selected international broadcasters and live timing.
With three races scheduled, check individual stream listings before the weekend. Follow our F1 Academy coverage for further updates.