F1 Academy expands presence at 2026 Austin GP
F1 Academy holds practice and qualifying on Thursday October 22 plus three races across the United States Grand Prix weekend at Circuit of the Americas. The series also hosts an educational activation for 7,000 local students on the extra day, expanding its footprint at the event.
Expanded weekend format
F1 Academy practice and qualifying take place on Thursday October 22 at Circuit of the Americas.[1] The series then runs three races across the United States Grand Prix weekend.[2]
Student activation
The all-female series hosts 7,000 local students aged 11-12 from Austin and Central Texas school districts on the additional day.[1] Participants tour the F1 Academy paddock, hear from figures in the sport, and watch free practice and qualifying from the grandstands as part of the Discover Your Drive programme.
Four-day event
The Thursday programme also includes a new Grand PrixView ticket option for the public priced from $20, providing access to the F1 Academy paddock, fan villages, and COTALAND.[1] Existing ticket holders receive Thursday access at no extra cost.
- [1]F1 ACADEMY to welcome 7,000 local students to landmark extra day in Austin (f1academy). Accessed 2026-10-17.
- [2]United States GP 2026: Dates, schedule, Austin weather, UK start time and how to watch or stream F1 race at COTA live on Sky Sports (skysports). Accessed 2026-10-17.