Even with both titles wrapped up, there is still plenty to play for up and down the grid as F1 heads to Texas. Here is the start time, viewing info, and schedule for the 2023 US Grand Prix.
Formula 1 heads to its new favourite destination – the United States – for the second of three occasions this season. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is popular among both fans and drivers, however, not least because it is a purpose-built circuit rather than a street track.
The undulations, breathless first sector, and numerous overtaking points also tend to make Texas one of the more entertaining spectacles on the calendar.
Sadly, though, we do not have any championship battles to help entertain this weekend. Max Verstappen sealed a dominant, third World Driver’s title last time out in Qatar. We are therefore looking behind the Dutchman, where a battle for P2 is brewing between Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton.
Elsewhere, multiple drivers across the grid will be hoping for an opportunity to take a rare win away from Red Bull in 2023. Maybe McLaren can finally go one better and take their first race victory since 2021? We will have to wait and see – but you can only do that if you know the time that the US Grand Prix starts.
Read – Most F1 titles: Max Verstappen moves among all-time greats with third championship
US Grand Prix – UK start time
A weekend across the pond makes for some lovely evening viewing if you are a UK-based F1 fan.
The US GP starts on Friday 20 October, with Free Practice 1 on at 6:30pm UK time. Shortly after, Qualifying for Sunday’s race is at 10pm.
As this is a Sprint weekend, Saturday 21 October holds all the short-distance chaos in Austin. Firstly, Sprint Shootout will determine the grid for the Sprint Race, kicking off at 6:30pm. There is then a bit of a delay to the Sprint Race, where lights out will be at 11pm.
Finally, the US Grand Prix has a comfortable start time of 8pm on Sunday 22 October.
So now we know the when, this is how to catch Round 19 on TV.
How to watch the US GP
I’m sure you know the drill by now, but just in case you don’t; Sky Sports are the live broadcaster of F1 in the UK. Therefore, they will be showing every single session of the US GP weekend on their respective channels.
Friday’s sessions (FP1 and Qualifying) are available to view on both Sky Sports Main Event and F1 channels. Contrastingly, the Sprint Shootout is only on Sky’s bespoke Formula 1 channel. Saturday’s short-distance Race is available on the duo of broadcasts, though.
Similarly, the US Grand Prix is live on Main Event and Sky Sports F1.
Sky Sports access requires a subscription as part of a Sky TV package. You can find costs and prices here. Alternatively, NOWTV provides a different option where you can access Sky Sports content without needing Sky TV. Using NOW, you can pay for a monthly pass or a day pass.
There is also a way to catch the very best from Austin without paying a penny – although it is not on live. Channel 4 has highlights of all the big moments from Qualifying, Sprint, and the race for you to enjoy absolutely free.
US GP – quick facts
- COTA held its first F1 race in 2012.
- Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most wins at the US Grand Prix. The Briton has six victories in total in America, with five of those coming at COTA.
- The Circuit of the Americas was the site of Kimi Raikkonen’s last win in F1 – the 2018 US GP.
- Max Verstappen has won the last two editions of the GP in Texas – but can he make it three on the bounce?
- Six different circuits have held an official “United States Grand Prix” for an F1 championship race. These are Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Phoenix, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and COTA.
Even with the tension of a title race extinguished, the US Grand Prix should serve up a cracker, especially with the potential for mayhem in the Sprint (plus a lovely evening start time for each session). Make sure you tune in all weekend so as to not miss out.
Featured image credit: Getty