Two calendar moments are set to shape the United States this fall. On November 1, 2026 the nation will revert to standard time, gaining an extra hour of sleep, while a week earlier the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will roar onto the track at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Both events hinge on precise timing, and the way you plan your weekend will depend on knowing the exact moments each will occur.
Daylight saving time ends on November 1, 2026
According to the established schedule, daylight saving time in the United States begins on the second Sunday of March and concludes on the first Sunday of November. In 2026 the spring shift was enacted on March 8, moving clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. local time. After eight months of extended evenings, the autumn reversal will happen at 2 a.m. on November 1, when clocks are set back to 1 a.m., effectively giving everyone an additional hour of rest.
How to adjust analog devices
Most smartphones, computers and digital watches update automatically at the moment the change takes effect. However, traditional analog clocks, wall-mounted timers and some older appliances must be manually turned back one hour. The safest time to do this is before retiring for the night on Saturday, ensuring you wake up on the correct schedule on Sunday morning.
States and territories that stay on standard time
Not every part of the United States participates in the twice-yearly shift. Hawaii and the majority of Arizona have opted out, keeping their clocks unchanged throughout the year. The exception within Arizona is the Navajo Nation, which follows the national daylight-saving schedule. American overseas territories—including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa—also remain on standard time year-round.
Legislative debate over permanent daylight saving
Earlier this year the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would eliminate the biannual clock changes by making daylight saving time permanent across the country. The proposal, backed by a segment of the executive branch, now awaits action in the Senate. If both chambers approve and the president signs the measure, Americans could see a permanent shift forward, effectively keeping evenings brighter year-round but also altering sunrise times during winter months.
2026 United States Grand Prix – schedule and viewing options
The 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is slated for Sunday, October 25, with the race starting at 15:00 local time (20:00 GMT). The weekend kicks off on Friday, October 23, with Free Practice 1 at 12:30 and Free Practice 2 at 16:00. Saturday, October 24, hosts the final practice session at 12:30 followed by qualifying at 16:00. The race itself will unfold over 56 laps, beginning at 15:00 on Sunday.
Global start times and daylight-saving overlap
British viewers will notice that the race commences at 20:00 GMT, just as the United Kingdom shifts from British Summer Time back to Greenwich Mean Time on the same morning. This coincidence underscores the importance of double-checking local start times, especially for fans living in regions that still observe daylight saving.
How to watch the Grand Prix live
Fans can stream every session via F1 TV Pro, which offers ad-free coverage, onboard camera feeds for all 22 cars, and pre- and post-race analysis in six languages. The service is compatible with Apple TV, Chromecast (2nd gen+), Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku. For those seeking the highest visual fidelity, F1 TV Premium delivers 4K Ultra HD/HDR streams on up to six devices and provides a personalised multiview experience with 26 selectable feeds.
Weather outlook for the Austin weekend
Metropolitan Austin is expected to enjoy warm, dry conditions during the Grand Prix weekend, with daytime highs hovering around 28 °C and only a slim chance of rain. Such weather promises an optimal environment for both drivers and spectators, reducing the risk of interruptions caused by excess moisture.
F1 Academy races at COTA
After a two-month hiatus, the F1 Academy returns to the Circuit of the Americas for the penultimate round of its 2026 season. The three-race format includes an Opening Race (grid set by the second-fastest qualifying lap), a Reverse Grid Race, and a Feature Race. Practice begins Thursday, October 22, at 12:25, followed by a crucial qualifying session at 16:30. The Opening Race launches on Friday at 17:50, the Reverse Grid Race on Saturday at 18:00, and the Feature Race wraps up the weekend on Sunday at 12:00.
Whether you are adjusting your clocks for the autumn shift or planning to watch high-speed drama unfold in Texas, the dates outlined above provide a clear roadmap for the coming weeks. Mark your calendars, set your devices, and enjoy the blend of seasonal change and motorsport excitement that 2026 has in store.
