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Kimi Antonelli's win + more top moments from Texas' F1 weekend
The top three finishers were Kimi Antonelli, Charles LeClerc, and Max Verstappen. | Photo by Amber Heckler
The top three finishers were Kimi Antonelli, Charles LeClerc, and Max Verstappen. | Photo by Amber Heckler

After three days of racing action, the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) came to an exciting end.

Unlike in previous years, there was no sprint race to keep spectators especially close to the edge of their seats. However, there were other new additions to the experience that had attendees buzzing during breaks from the racing action: a new amusement park, a divisive luxury hospitality building, brand activations, and mid-day concerts scattered around at various venues.

We endured the awful traffic just to see it all, and to bring you our favorite moments from the weekend.

Following his win on Sunday, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is only two points away from winning the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. | Following his win on Sunday, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is only two points away from winning the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. | Photo by Amber Heckler
Following his win on Sunday, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is only two points away from winning the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. | Following his win on Sunday, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is only two points away from winning the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. | Photo by Amber Heckler
Two young girls hold a flag with Kimi Antonelli's face on it at the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix | These fans knew Kimi Antonelli would win. | Photo by Amber Heckler
Two young girls hold a flag with Kimi Antonelli's face on it at the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix | These fans knew Kimi Antonelli would win. | Photo by Amber Heckler
COTALAND amusement park | Brightly lit LED screens displayed wildflowers at the COTALand entrance. | Photo by Amber Heckler
COTALAND amusement park | Brightly lit LED screens displayed wildflowers at the COTALand entrance. | Photo by Amber Heckler

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. | Photo by Amber Heckler
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. | Photo by Amber Heckler

The top three finishers were Kimi Antonelli, Charles LeClerc, and Max Verstappen.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli celebrates his U.S. Grand Prix win with his team. | Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli celebrates his U.S. Grand Prix win with his team. | Photo by Amber Heckler
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli celebrates his U.S. Grand Prix win with his team. | Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli celebrates his U.S. Grand Prix win with his team. | Photo by Amber Heckler

Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar congratulated Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli after the Qualifying session on Saturday. | Photo by Amber Heckler
Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar congratulated Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli after the Qualifying session on Saturday. | Photo by Amber Heckler

Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar congratulated Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli after the Qualifying session on Saturday.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc secured P2 during the race on Sunday. | Photo by Amber Heckler
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc secured P2 during the race on Sunday. | Photo by Amber Heckler

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc secured P2 during the race on Sunday.

2026 U.S. Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto banners | Photo by Amber Heckler
2026 U.S. Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto banners | Photo by Amber Heckler

Franco Colapinto fans love to show their support.

2026 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, fashion, cowboy hats | Photo by Amber Heckler
2026 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, fashion, cowboy hats | Photo by Amber Heckler

Cowboy hats were one of the top fashion trends this year.

2026 U.S. Grand Prix race marshals | Photo by Amber Heckler
2026 U.S. Grand Prix race marshals | Photo by Amber Heckler

Race marshals look on as the drivers race down the track at Turn 1.

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz was in attendance for the podium ceremony, and was heavily booed by the crowd. | Photo by Amber Heckler
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz was in attendance for the podium ceremony, and was heavily booed by the crowd. | Photo by Amber Heckler

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz was in attendance for the podium ceremony, and was heavily booed by the crowd.

Austin’s busiest and most festival-heavy month is now drawing to a close. We’re sure locals will be looking forward to the Austin Food & Wine Festival and the Texas Book Festival in November, but after back-to-back weekends of ACL Fest, Hot Luck food festival, and F1, we’re grateful for a little respite.

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