The official starting grid for the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin has been confirmed, with Kimi Antonelli securing pole position. The race is scheduled for October 25, 2026, with the lights going out at 15:00 local time. Several drivers face grid penalties that have influenced the final lineup.
Kimi Antonelli will lead the field from the front for Mercedes, followed closely by Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar of Red Bull, who start second and third respectively. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, both driving for Ferrari, occupy fourth and fifth places, while George Russell completes the top six for Mercedes. McLaren fills the entire fourth row with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls and Pierre Gasly from Alpine round out the top ten.
The starting order reflects a mix of established teams and emerging talent, with penalties affecting some drivers' positions. Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto, and Gabriel Bortoleto have all dropped down the grid due to power unit changes. Additionally, Lance Stroll will begin the race from the pit lane after making power unit and setup adjustments to his Aston Martin.
This grid highlights the competitive nature of the field, with Mercedes and Red Bull drivers prominently placed at the front. Ferrari’s strong showing with Leclerc and Hamilton in the top five indicates their ongoing presence near the front of the grid. McLaren’s presence in the fourth row suggests a solid qualifying performance from their drivers.
Penalties for power unit changes have notably shuffled the starting positions for some Alpine and Audi drivers, underscoring the technical challenges teams face with power unit management. Lance Stroll’s pit lane start reflects the strategic decisions teams sometimes make to optimize race setup despite the initial setback.
The 2026 United States Grand Prix promises to be a significant event on the calendar, with a diverse grid and several key drivers positioned to make an impact. The official starting order sets the stage for the race day, with live coverage details available for fans following the event.