2025 F1 United States Grand Prix Qualifying Start Time Confirmed

Qualifying for the 2025 F1 United States Grand Prix is set for Saturday, October 18th, in Austin, Texas, with a crucial session following the earlier Sprint race. Fans will want to mark their calendars as the grid prepares to battle for pole position for Sunday's main event.

Why it matters:

Securing a strong grid position in qualifying is paramount at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a track known for its challenging layout and strategic overtaking opportunities. A good starting spot can significantly influence a team's race strategy and a driver's chances of reaching the podium, especially given the high-speed sections and technical corners.

The details:

• Event: 2025 F1 United States Grand Prix Qualifying
• Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2025
• Local Start Time (Austin, Texas): 4:00 PM CST
• BST Start Time (UK): 10:00 PM BST
• Context: The qualifying session will take place approximately four hours after the 19-lap F1 Sprint race, ensuring a full day of action for fans at COTA and those watching globally.

The big picture:

The 2025 F1 calendar continues to feature the Sprint format at select events, including the United States Grand Prix. This means Saturday is a packed day, with both the Sprint race and the traditional qualifying session. This dual-event format adds an extra layer of complexity for teams, requiring them to optimize car setup for two distinct competitive sessions on the same day, potentially impacting tire strategy and component longevity.

What's next:

Following Saturday's qualifying, all eyes will turn to the main event on Sunday, October 19th, where the 2025 F1 United States Grand Prix race will commence at 2:00 PM local time (8:00 PM BST). The results of qualifying will set the stage for an intense battle for victory, with teams and drivers aiming to execute their strategies flawlessly on race day.