22 October 2026 13:30 (UTC)
An iconic track, vital points up for grabs, and a special anniversary to celebrate: the storylines to follow as we head Stateside
The 2026 Formula 1 season is entering the home straight and Texas is the first stop in a transatlantic triple-header.
Drama and intrigue are all but guaranteed at The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and we are looking to continue a strong record in the States so far this year, with Lando and Oscar making it a double papaya podium last time we raced across the pond in Miami in May.
Here are some key things to look out for as we head back to the USA…
With just six rounds remaining, the fight for third in the Constructors' Championship is intensifying, making this weekend's United States Grand Prix a crucial opportunity to secure valuable points.
We head to Austin third in the standings on 339 points, but with Red Bull closing the gap in recent weeks, and only seven points separating us, there’s little room for error.
Lando and Oscar will be determined to deliver strong performances as we look to maintain our advantage and strengthen our position in the Championship.
COTA has hosted plenty of memorable battles over the years and with both teams fighting for vital points, another exciting weekend is on the cards.
Having enjoyed a strong summer, which saw Lando claim victories in Hungary and the Netherlands along with a podium in Madrid, we have since endured a more difficult spell, with neither driver reaching the podium in the last three Grands Prix.
Lando and Oscar both came close in Singapore, finishing fourth and fifth respectively, and they have used the break since to crunch the data and spend time in the simulator in a bid to return to fighting at the front of the grid for the rest of the season.
A modest selection of upgrades have been made to the MCL40 ahead of Austin, aimed at improving some braking reliability and performance issues, while the team believe this circuit will play more to our strengths. On which note…
COTA is one of the most distinctive tracks on the F1 calendar, with its dramatic elevation changes and challenging corners making it a favourite among drivers and fans alike.
Perhaps its most recognisable feature is the steep climb into Turn 1, which rises approximately 41 metres (133 feet) from the start-finish straight, presenting drivers with a tricky uphill braking zone and a fantastic overtaking opportunity.
From there, the circuit flows into the high-speed Esses of Turns 3 to 6, inspired by the famous Maggotts-Becketts sequence at Silverstone, demanding precision and commitment from drivers. That is not the only European influence, with Turn 8 modelled on Istanbul and Turns 12 to 15 echoing Hockenheim’s stadium section.
Lewis Hamilton claimed victory for McLaren at the inaugural United States Grand Prix at COTA in 2012. He overtook Sebastian Vettel to secure a memorable win, which remains our most recent triumph at the Texan venue.
The United States Grand Prix is about much more than the action on track.
Known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, the Texan city is packed with culture, entertainment and incredible food, making it a fantastic destination for travelling fans.
For those looking to explore, the Texas State Capitol is one of Austin's most recognisable landmarks, while Lady Bird Lake offers scenic walking trails and picturesque views.
Fans looking to cool off can also visit Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming spot located within Zilker Park.
And no trip to Austin would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine, from traditional Texas barbecue and smoked brisket to breakfast tacos and Tex-Mex favourites.
The entertainment continues at COTA with three nightly concerts, where Maroon 5 will headline on Friday, followed by Post Malone on Saturday and Alesso, who will round off the weekend with a post-race performance on Sunday.
And after NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade paid our garage a visit in Singapore, we are looking forward to welcoming more stars in Austin. Stay tuned to our App across the weekend to find out who drops in.
Saturday is a date of special significance in McLaren’s illustrious history.
October 24 marks 50 years since James Hunt sealed his first Drivers’ World Championship triumph, doing so in dramatic style in awful conditions in Fuji.
He became the second McLaren driver to win the title, following in the footsteps of Emerson Fittipaldi two years earlier, and a special James Hunt Collection has been released to mark the occasion.
You can also find out how much you remember about James in our quiz – can you separate fact from fiction?
