The United States GP Watchlist
Five things you need to know ahead of the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin
Published
20 OCT 2026
Est. reading time
3 min
Formula 1 heads to Austin and welcomes the grid back to the Circuit of The Americas for Round 19 of the 2026 season.
From the iconic uphill first corner to a fresh collection of Austin merchandise, there’s plenty for Williams fans to look forward to both on and off the track.
Get set for the United States Grand Prix with these five things to look out for this weekend.
Take on Turn One
One of the most recognisable features of COTA is its steep uphill approach to Turn 1. Drivers climb towards the crest before braking hard for the tight left-hander, making it a prime opportunity to gain places at the start of the race.
With the field bunching together on the opening lap, positioning and braking will be crucial. Keep an eye on how Alex and Carlos navigate the first corner when the lights go out on Sunday.
A different kind of weekend
After hosting a Sprint in 2025, Austin returns to a conventional Grand Prix format this year. That means three practice sessions across Friday and Saturday, followed by qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
The additional practice session gives the team more time to assess the FW48 and work through set-up options ahead of qualifying. With 56 laps of racing on Sunday, every session will be important as the team looks to make the most of the weekend.
Going against the clock
Unlike many circuits on the calendar, COTA runs anticlockwise, adding another unique feature to its already distinctive layout.
It’s one of the details that makes Austin stand out, with drivers tackling the circuit in the opposite direction to a clockwise track. COTA is also one of several anticlockwise circuits on the 2026 calendar, alongside venues such as Singapore and Interlagos.
With 20 corners packed into its 5.5km layout, there’s plenty for Alex and Carlos to get to grips with as they look to find their rhythm around the Texas track.
Fan Zone
The Atlassian Williams F1 Team Fan Zone, presented by Kraken, has returned to downtown Austin for its fifth consecutive year, bringing the excitement of Formula 1 into the heart of the city.
Located at 800 Congress Avenue, the free Fan Zone is open until Saturday 24 October. Fans can see the full-scale FW48 show car featuring its special-edition Marvel’s Doomsday livery, try the racing simulators and enjoy live Q&As with special guests, including Alex Albon.
There’s plenty more to explore, from interactive experiences to exclusive collectibles, making it a great stop for fans in Austin ahead of race day.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Austin Fan Zone
Yee-haw! New Austin merchandise
A new race weekend means a fresh collection of Williams merchandise, and Austin’s range brings a distinctly Texan twist. The collection includes special-edition New Era caps and T-shirts, alongside driver-specific caps for Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
For something a little different, there’s also a cowboy hat which is a very fitting addition to the team’s visit to Texas. Whether you’re heading to COTA or watching from home, it’s a chance to add a little Austin style to your Williams collection.
Get styled for Austin:
2026 Austin Car Graphic Tee
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2026 Austin Belt Buckle Tee
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2026 Austin Denim Jacket
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Sainz
2026 Race Special Austin Sainz E-Frame Trucker Cap
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