F1 US Grand Prix: FP1 Kicks Off at Circuit of the Americas

Formula 1 has touched down in Austin, Texas, as teams begin Friday's first practice session for the 2026 United States Grand Prix. With the season entering its critical final phase, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) serves as a vital testing ground for the 2026 technical regulations, where teams are still fighting to optimize the synergy between the revamped power units and aerodynamic packages.

Why it matters:

Austin is renowned for its demanding nature, blending high-speed sweeps with tight, technical sections. For teams operating under the 2026 rules, FP1 is less about raw lap times and more about understanding how the new power unit's energy deployment handles the varied demands of COTA's layout, which often exposes flaws in chassis balance.

The big picture:

As the 2026 season progresses, a clear divide is emerging between teams that mastered the new engine regulations and those still chasing reliability. This weekend provides a window into which teams possess the most adaptable chassis, especially given the track's abrasive surface and the unpredictable Texas wind that can shift the aerodynamic balance mid-session.

The details:

• Setup Focus: Engineers are prioritizing mechanical grip in the technical second sector while attempting to minimize drag on the long straights to maintain top-end speed.
• Tire Management: Pirelli's 2026 compounds are under scrutiny to see how they withstand the high lateral loads of the opening sequence of turns.
• PU Calibration: Teams are fine-tuning hybrid recovery systems to ensure maximum efficiency across the circuit's varying speed profiles.

What's next:

Following the conclusion of FP1, the focus will shift to FP2, where long-run simulations will reveal the true race pace. The data gathered today will be instrumental in dictating the qualifying strategies for Saturday's session.