Your Fan Guide to F1 ACADEMY at the FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2026

Hey y'all, the F1 ACADEMY rodeo is about to get started and we can't wait to have you along for the ride, as the series returns to the Lone Star State after a two-year absence.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or enjoying F1 ACADEMY for the first time, we can't wait to welcome you for Round 5 of the 2026 season in Austin. If you're looking to experience a real-life racing paddock or catch a glimpse of your favourite drivers, don't worry as we've got you covered with all the information you'll need to know this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas...

SESSION TIMES

Don't forget, it's an extra special F1 ACADEMY weekend, with four days of action to keep you entertained.

Running from October 22-25, the cars will take to the track twice on Thursday, with Practice kicking things off at 12:25 to 13:05 local time (UTC-5), followed by the 30-minute Qualifying session to set the grids for the Opening and Feature Races from 16:30 to 17:00.

The drivers' second-fastest Qualifying times will set the grid for Friday's Opening Race, with lights out at 17:50 to 18:25.

The top eight drivers from Qualifying will be reversed on Saturday evening for the Reverse Grid Race, which takes place from 18:00 to 18:35.

Last but by no means least, the field will have one final chance to battle it out across in Austin, with the Feature Race getting underway at 12:00 to 12:30.

Reminder to all UK and European fans, don't forget to adjust your clocks as they go back at 02:00 on Sunday. Also enjoy your extra hour in bed!

FOLLOW THE SESSIONS

F1 ACADEMY Qualifying and both races are available to watch for free live on the F1 ACADEMY YouTube channel.

All sessions can also be viewed on F1 TV and on select broadcasters around the world.

You can also follow along with all the action on our Live Timing page.

HOW TO FIND US & PADDOCK OPENING TIMES

Located on the way to the Main Grandstand and opposite the Formula 1 Champions' Club, the F1 ACADEMY paddock will be accessible to all ticket holders and open at the following times:

• Thursday: 09:00 - 17:30
• Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
• Saturday: 08:30 - 19:00
• Sunday: 08:30 - 18:30

DRIVER SIGNING SESSION

Want a chance to meet your favourite drivers? F1 ACADEMY will be running three autograph signing sessions across the weekend:

• Friday: 15:00 - 15:30
• Saturday: 15:00 - 15:30
• Sunday: 09:45 - 10:15

Places will be limited for all autograph sessions. For the F1 ACADEMY autograph session, you can pick up your wristband at 09:00 each day from the paddock archway to guarantee your spot.

FANZONE STAGE APPEARANCES

You can catch some of the stars of the 2026 season over on the F1 Fanstage from 11:10 to 11:30 on Saturday. Hear from Kaylee Countryman, Ava Dobson, Payton Westcott at their home weekend alongside Alba Larsen, Rafaela Ferreira and our Austin Wild Card driver Alexia Danielsson.