Preview of the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas

The United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin marks the beginning of a triple-header of races in North America, which also includes events in Mexico City and São Paulo.

Pirelli has chosen the C2 as the hard compound for this race, alongside the C3 and C4 for medium and soft options, respectively. This selection returns to a previous combination after an experiment in 2025. The race weekend will follow a traditional format without a Sprint, allowing teams three practice sessions to optimize their car setups on the 5.513-kilometer circuit.

The Austin circuit presents a mix of high-speed corners and slower sections, demanding a balance of straight-line speed and aerodynamic efficiency. Tyre wear is expected to be a critical factor, especially with the high temperatures typical of the Texas weekend. Last year, the most common strategy was Medium-Soft, with 13 drivers opting for this approach, while Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most wins at this event.