United States GP: UK schedule as F1 returns to COTA — SkimNews
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- Kimi Antonelli enters the United States Grand Prix 102 points clear of Mercedes teammate George Russell at the top of the 2026 F1 standings, knowing he has a chance to seal a maiden world championship in Austin.
- Max Verstappen and Red Bull notched their first two victories of 2026 during the previous triple-header in Asia — gains that only helped Antonelli pull further clear of the field.
- Lewis Hamilton will look to bounce back from a tough Sunday in Singapore as all four leading teams enter the COTA weekend with genuine hopes of victory.
- The Circuit of The Americas is a 3.4-mile, 20-corner anti-clockwise layout that debuted in 2021, with a Silverstone-inspired Esses, Istanbul Park-style triple-apex, Hockenheim-style arena, and a steep uphill run into Turn 1 that has produced numerous overtakes.
- Austin weather is forecast above 30°C on all three days, with a 50 per cent chance of rain on race day and showers also possible on Friday and Saturday.
- Sky Sports will broadcast the race live at 8pm UK time on Sunday October 25, with full coverage of practice, qualifying, and three F1 Academy races plus the main grand prix across the weekend.
Why it matters: A 102-point cushion puts Antonelli on the brink of clinching the 2026 title in Austin itself — a historic early coronation if he converts. For Verstappen, Hamilton, and the rest of the field, a 50 per cent rain chance and COTA's overtaking-friendly uphill Turn 1 give them their best remaining shot at disrupting Mercedes' lockout before the season's closing stretch.
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