F1 Qualifying Today: US Grand Prix 2026 Start Time, Schedule and How to Watch Live and FREE… See Details 

F1 Qualifying Today: US Grand Prix 2026 Start Time, Schedule and How to Watch Live and FREE… See Details

The crucial battle for pole at the 2026 F1 US Grand Prix takes centre stage in Austin today, and we really do mean crucial.

Of the 13 F1 races to be held at Circuit Of The Americas, 11 have been won by a driver who started on the front row. So Qualifying is absolutely all-important.

The resurgent Max Verstappen — winner of the last two races in Malaysia and Singapore — is again favoured to be the fastest qualifier in his Red Bull. But he faces stiff competition.

World champion elect Kimi Antonelli (he could be crowned as early as Sunday) is expected to be in close contention, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in both of Friday’s Free Practice sessions in Texas.

As ever, the 60-minute session will be split into three segments, with the fastest 16 drivers progressing from Q1 to Q2, and the fastest 10 progressing from Q2 to the pole shootout in Q3.

How to Watch US Grand Prix Qualifying Live on TV Today

As ever, the UK options are Sky F1 for live coverage or Channel 4 for free-to-air highlights.

There is great news for US fans, who can watch the action live with new rights holder Apple TV having a seven-day free trial.

US Grand Prix Qualifying: TV Broadcasters by Region