Source : @F1
Formula 1 has set the tone for the United States Grand Prix by describing Austin as “a weekend-long party with a Grand Prix in the middle”, as the championship heads to the Circuit of the Americas for one of the most significant races of the 2026 season.
The sport shared on X a set of four photographs from Austin alongside the message, tagged #F1 and #USGP. The post had drawn more than 160,000 views and over 2,300 likes at the time of writing.
A fixture built around the fans
The Circuit of the Americas has hosted the United States Grand Prix since 2012 and has become known for pairing on-track action with a festival atmosphere around the racing. This year the circuit lists the Grand Prix weekend as running from 22 to 25 October.
The 5.5-kilometre layout, with its steep climb to Turn 1 and fast, flowing esses, is a favourite among drivers. The lap record of 1:36.169 was set by Charles Leclerc in 2019. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most United States Grand Prix victories among active drivers, with six, while Max Verstappen has four.
Antonelli could be crowned in Texas
The party mood may be matched by a historic moment on track. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship on 340 points after the Singapore Grand Prix, 102 points clear of team-mate George Russell, with Lewis Hamilton third on 229 and Verstappen fourth on 221.
With six rounds remaining and 150 points still available, Formula 1 has said Antonelli can put the title beyond doubt in Austin if he leaves the Circuit of the Americas at least 125 points ahead of his nearest rival. ESPN reported that, assuming the final two races go ahead as planned, he would need to win in Texas with Russell finishing ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower. The 20-year-old has the potential to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
Asked about his chances after the Singapore race, Antonelli said: “Can I? Really? Let’s not worry about that! Let’s try to do the best weekends possible and finish the job.”
Uncertainty over the season finale
The title calculations are further complicated by questions over the final two rounds. ESPN reported that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, scheduled for 29 November and 6 December, could be cancelled because of escalations in the war between the United States and Iran. Formula 1 has a contingency plan to hold a single round at Imola instead, which would reduce the number of points available and make it easier for Antonelli to seal the title in Austin, needing a lead of 100 points rather than 125.
In the constructors’ standings, Mercedes lead on 578 points from Ferrari on 444, McLaren on 339 and Red Bull on 332.
For the crowds heading to Texas, the stage is set for a celebration either way. If results fall Antonelli’s way, Austin’s weekend-long party could end with a new world champion being crowned in the middle of it.
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