The 2025 Formula 1 season heads to Texas for Round 19 at the United States Grand Prix from 17–19 October. Championship leader Oscar Piastri arrives in Austin with a 22-point advantage over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris after their tense first-lap battle in Singapore, where George Russell took victory for Mercedes.
With six races remaining — including three sprint weekends — the title race is tightening up. Piastri leads on 327 points, ahead of Norris on 305, with Max Verstappen third on 264 after his strong runner-up finish under the lights at Marina Bay.
Race and Session Times (BST)
The main Grand Prix begins at 20:00 BST on Sunday, 19 October, with a full sprint format weekend providing extra championship points.
Friday, 17 October:
First Practice: 18:30–19:30
Sprint Qualifying: 22:30–23:14
Saturday, 18 October:
Sprint: 18:00–18:30
Qualifying: 22:00–23:00
Sunday, 19 October:
Race: 20:00
Weather Forecast
Sunny skies and scorching temperatures are expected across the weekend in Austin, with highs reaching 34°C. Conditions should remain dry throughout, offering stable grip levels and plenty of heat stress for drivers and tyres alike. Sunday’s 56-lap race is set for clear, bright weather at 2pm local time (20:00 BST).
Sprint Weekend Returns
The Circuit of the Americas hosts the first of three remaining sprint weekends of the 2025 season, offering a maximum of 33 points to any driver who can sweep both the sprint and the main race. Sprint qualifying on Friday night will determine the grid for Saturday’s 100km sprint, where the top eight finishers will score from eight down to one point.
With two further sprint weekends still to come in Brazil and Qatar, Austin could prove decisive in the championship fight, especially if Norris or Verstappen can close the gap to Piastri before the final run-in.
Track Facts
Opened in 2012, the Circuit of the Americas is a fan favourite thanks to its dramatic elevation changes, sweeping corners, and long back straight that encourages overtaking. The uphill run into Turn 1 provides one of Formula 1’s most iconic starts, while the technical middle sector tests balance and tyre management. Expect a strategic battle under the Texas sun as the world’s best drivers fight for crucial points in the 2025 title race.
