2024 United States Grand Prix preview: timings, how to watch, and more

Hot topics ahead of the 2024 United States Grand Prix

In the four races following the summer break Norris outscored Verstappen in each, including wins at Zandvoort and Singapore. With the fastest car on the grid, the gap to the championship leader has reduced from 78 points to 52, but Verstappen has been doing enough to stem the damage. Though it remains the case that the Dutchman has not won a race since Spain in June, he has kept pace with Norris, finishing right behind him in the previous two races.

To have any realistic chance of winning his maiden world championship, Norris requires two race wins and two fastest laps, with a failure to finish for Verstappen his best hope to emerge victorious. The three-time world champion has won each of the last three races at COTA; for him, this weekend would be the ideal time to return to the top step of the podium.

The month-long gap between grands prix has given several teams the time to work on upgrades, with plenty of racing remaining in the season. The majority of teams are expected to bring upgrades to Texas with the hope of providing a boost to respective targets.

In his final six races with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton will be looking to finish strong, potentially earning a final grand prix victory with the team with whom he won six world championships. For the man he will replace at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz Jr., this may be his final opportunity in a race-winning car before his move to Williams in 2025, so motivation to perform is sure to be high.

Speaking of 2025, not everything is yet set in stone, with Yuki Tsunoda’s partner at RB still to be confirmed. For the incoming Liam Lawson, these next six races are his chance to prove he deserves that spot next year, while the final Sauber seat also remains open offering hope to the likes of Valtteri Bottas and Franco Colapinto who are each currently without a drive in 2025.

Looking forward, it was announced last week that Toyota is returning to F1, entering into a partnership with Haas to provide design, technical and manufacturing services to advance Haas’ rate of development. Keep a look out for the Toyota Gazoo Racing branding appearing on the Haas cars at this weekend’s grand prix.

When can I watch the 2024 US Grand Prix?

Action at COTA begins on Friday, with Free Practice 1, the only practice session of the weekend, at 19:30 UK time (12:30 local time), followed by Sprint qualifying at 23:30 (16:30). The Sprint race takes place at 20:00 (13:00) on Saturday ahead of qualifying for the grand prix at 00:00 (17:00) on Sunday. Lights out for the United States Grand Prix is at 21:00 (14:00) on Sunday 20^th October.

How to watch the 2024 US Grand Prix

Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to all live coverage of F1 in the UK. Every session of the US Grand Prix will be shown live and uninterrupted on Sky Sports F1.

US viewers can catch all the action on ESPN, and Australian audiences can watch on Kayo Sports. The F1 TV Pro app also provides coverage of every F1 session across the weekend to several countries the world over.

Which series are supporting in Austin?

Both Formula 2 and F1 Academy will return to action in Qatar in December for the final two races of the respective seasons, while the Formula 3 season concluded in Monza, with Leonardo Fornaroli dramatically securing the drivers’ championship ahead of Gabriele Minì.

Instead, the United States Grand Prix will be supported by the Porsche Carrera Cup North America.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.