A Casual Fan’s Guide to Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix in Austin

One of the most highly anticipated weekends on the Formula 1 calendar is finally here. 

F1 brings the United States Grand Prix to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, October 20, for a crucial showdown with just six races remaining on the schedule. 

The race in Austin is the start of two triple-headers to wrap up the 2024 season, with the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix on the horizon before a two-week break. After that, the Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix close things out. 

Heading into the weekend, Red Bull leads the constructors’ standings, while Max Verstappen’s lead in the driver’s championship has been reduced to just 52 points over Lando Norris. 

Of note, the United States Grand Prix is the first race where Daniel Ricciardo has been replaced at VCARB by Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson. Ricciardo’s contract expired at the end of the Singapore Grand Prix last month, which brought about his departure after a celebrated career.

“I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey,” Ricciardo, 35, posted via Instagram September 26. “To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you. It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”

For more on what to expect from the United States Grand Prix in Austin this weekend, keep reading. 

What Time is the United States Grand Prix in Austin?

Following two days of qualifying and a sprint race on Saturday, October 19, the main event goes down Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. 

How Can I Watch the United States Grand Prix in Austin?

The race will air live on ABC and ESPN+.

The ESPN family of networks has a full weekend of race coverage planned, including dedicated onboard camera and driver tracker channels on ESPN+. 

Coverage begins on race day with the Grand Prix Sunday preshow at 1:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

The race is part of the “ESPN Texas Takeover” weekend, which also includes the Saturday college football showdown between No. 1 Texas and No. 5 Georgia, which kicks off at 7:30 pm ET on ABC. 

ESPN’s College GameDay will also air live from the University of Texas on Saturday morning.

What Do the F1 Standings Look Like Going Into the United States Grand Prix in Austin?

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who won last year’s race at Circuit of the Americas, is currently in first place, with 331 points. 

Verstappen, 27, is followed by McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with 279 and 245 points, respectively. 

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz round out the top 5. 

The F1 points system rewards 25 points to the winner of a Grand Prix, with 18 points to the second-place finisher and 15 points for the third-place finisher. The totals roll on in decreasing value from there. 

Who Is Performing at the United States Grand Prix in Austin?

The United States Grand Prix is far more than a race — it’s a cultural event. 

Past Grand Prix performers have included Mariah Carey, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran and, yes, even Taylor Swift, who performed at the Grand Prix in Austin in 2016. 

This year, the venue will welcome headliners Sting and Eminem, who will perform on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively. 

Where Does F1 Go After the United States Grand Prix in Austin?

After the race in Austin, Formula 1 travels to Mexico for the Mexico City Grand Prix from October 25-27 and then to Brazil for the São Paolo Grand Prix from November 1-3.

Following a two-week break, F1 returns stateside for the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 21-23 followed by the Qatar Grand Prix from November 29-December 1 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 6-8.