F1 United States Grand Prix: Full Schedule and Start Times

Formula 1 is set for one of its most critical sprint weekends yet, as the championship battle intensifies at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. With only six rounds remaining in the 2025 calendar after this event, every session and point will be crucial for drivers and constructors alike.

Why it matters:

• The United States Grand Prix is a pivotal moment in the F1 season, marking one of the final opportunities for contenders to gain significant ground in the championship.
• As a sprint weekend, it offers more points than a traditional race weekend, making consistent performance across all sessions—from practice to the main race—paramount for title aspirants.
• COTA is known for its challenging layout, offering a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners, which often leads to unpredictable and thrilling racing, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The details:

• The event takes place in Austin, Texas, which operates on Central Daylight Time (CDT), five hours behind GMT.
• This particular Grand Prix is the sixth-to-last race on the 24-round 2025 F1 calendar, heightening its importance in the title chase.

United States GP (Local Time - CDT) Schedule:

• Friday, October 17
  • Free Practice 1 (FP1): 12:30 PM
  • Sprint Qualifying: 4:30 PM
• Saturday, October 18
  • Sprint Race: 12:00 PM
  • Grand Prix Qualifying: 4:00 PM
• Sunday, October 19
  • United States Grand Prix Race: 2:00 PM

United States GP (UK Time - GMT+1) Schedule:

• Friday, October 17
  • Free Practice 1 (FP1): 6:30 PM
  • Sprint Qualifying: 10:30 PM
• Saturday, October 18
  • Sprint Race: 6:00 PM
  • Grand Prix Qualifying: 10:00 PM
• Sunday, October 19
  • United States Grand Prix Race: 8:00 PM

The big picture:

With the season rapidly drawing to a close, teams and drivers will be pushing their limits to maximize their performance. Every strategic decision, pit stop, and on-track maneuver at COTA could have significant implications for the final standings. The unique challenge of a sprint weekend at a track like COTA ensures that competitive pressure will be immense from the very first session. Teams will need to quickly dial in their setups, manage tire degradation, and adapt to changing track conditions to secure crucial points.

What's next:

Following the United States Grand Prix, the F1 calendar will move towards its penultimate races, each one carrying increasing weight in the championship narrative. The results from Austin will likely dictate the momentum for the remaining rounds, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 F1 season. Fans can expect intensified rivalries and nail-biting finishes as the battle for the world championship reaches its climax.