F1 schedule today and how to watch on F1 TV: Mexico City Grand Prix race time, starting grid, and what changes for 2026

Formula 1 hits high altitude today with the Mexico City Grand Prix as the title fight tightens. With only four rounds left after Mexico, every point matters in a three-way tussle led by Oscar Piastri with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in close pursuit. Below you’ll find today’s race time, the starting grid headline, the remaining 2025 F1 schedule, and a quick brief on F1 TV—including the key U.S. change coming for 2026.

Mexico City Grand Prix: race time and grid at a glance

• Race start (Sun, Oct 26): 4:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. GMT

• Lap count / circuit: 71 laps, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (2.674 miles)

Front of the grid:

• Pole: Lando Norris (McLaren) — set the benchmark in a rapid Q3.

• P2: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — within striking distance.

• P3: Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — both Ferraris well placed on the long run to Turn 1.

• P4: George Russell (Mercedes) — consistency in the high-downforce window.

• P5: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — faces a pass-heavy afternoon after a tricky qualifying.

• P7: Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — title leader aiming to minimize risk, maximize points.

Why it matters: Mexico’s thin air alters drag and cooling; straight-line speed is strong, but braking and tire temps can swing quickly. Pole is valuable, yet the near-mile run to Turn 1 often reshuffles the order before Lap 2.

The remaining 2025 F1 schedule

Here’s the confirmed slate after Mexico (dates are race weekends; Sunday is race day):

*Local broadcasters may shift listed times slightly; always verify on race day.

Championship picture: With Mexico plus four to go, bonus points from fastest lap and sprint-format weekends (where applicable) can still bite. Expect strategy to favor undercuts and long first stints where track position is king.

How to watch today on F1 TV

F1 TV Pro/Premium offers live onboard feeds, data channels, multi-screen Race Control, and full session replays. Device support includes web, iOS/Android, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and many smart TVs. If you’re new:

• Pick the right tier: Pro carries live sessions and onboards where rights allow; Premium focuses on archives and replays in some regions.

• Set up Race Control: Build a custom view with world feed + leader timing + up to four onboards (bandwidth permitting).

• Mind geo-rights: Availability varies by country; if a session isn’t visible, your region’s rights holder might carry exclusivity for live coverage.

U.S. viewers: important F1 TV change for 2026

F1 has signaled a rights transition in the United States for 2026, affecting F1 TV Pro renewals. The short version: annual renewals for 2026 will not be offered, and monthly plans are only purchasable through early December 2025 before the new deal era begins. If you’re on an annual plan that extends into 2026, check your account page for the exact end date and renewal eligibility. (Other regions are unaffected by the U.S.-specific change.)

Mexico City storylines to watch

• Slipstream chess to Turn 1: Long launch plus tow effect can swing two rows’ worth of positions; expect defensive lines and late lunges.

• Cooling and brakes: Thin air reduces cooling efficiency—watch for teams opening larger louvres and managing brake temps in dirty air.

• Two-stop vs. one-stop: Historically a two-stop can win on outright pace, but a well-timed one-stop becomes viable if degradation drops with cooler track temps.

• Safety Car probability: Incidents at Turns 1–3 or the stadium complex often trigger SC/VSC that flips strategy windows.

Quick FAQ: F1 schedule & F1 TV

• What time is the F1 race today? 4:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. GMT (Mexico City).

• Who’s on pole? Lando Norris; closest challengers Leclerc and Hamilton.

• How many races are left after Mexico? Four (São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar, Abu Dhabi).

• Can I stream on F1 TV? Yes, where rights permit; U.S. 2026 renewals will change—review your plan before year-end.

• Best way to follow live data? Use F1 TV’s multiscreen with world feed + timing + two onboards (leader and your favorite chaser).

With the Mexico City Grand Prix setting the stage and a sprint to the finish across Brazil, Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, today’s outcome will ripple through every strategic decision left in 2025. Strap in—high altitude tends to produce high drama.