Formula 1 is back in Austin: See driver standings, track update and headliners

Formula One race car drivers are back in Austin this weekend for the Pirelli United States Grand Prix.

The best of the best are driving, including Dutch superstar Max Verstappen, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and more.

If you're not familiar with F1, who is racing, and what the standings are, we've got you covered.

Where is the F1 race in Austin?

The Formula One race in Austin occurs at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). This track has been hosting the U.S. Grand Prix since 2012. It's located just southeast of downtown Austin.

Drivers will discover a shiny new black racing surface after they were disgusted with the bumpy mess they left a year ago.

"The bumps and jumps we have in some places here, this is way too much," Verstappen said after the 2023 race. "I don't think it's F1 level. More suited for rally cars. I love this track, but it needs to be a lot smoother."

Who's performing at F1?

International rock star Sting and rapper Eminem are on the bill to perform this week at F1. Sting is set to perform at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater stage on Friday and Eminem takes the stage on Saturday.

Sting's last Austin appearance was a Moody Center show in August of 2023. Eminem, the best-selling rapper of all time, has not played in the Texas capital in a decade.

What celebrities are F1 fans?

Last year's F1 race in Austin had several celebrities show up at the event.

These famous people include Anthony Joshua, Drew Barrymore, Elon Musk, Adam Driver, Rory McIlroy and more.

Other notable fans include longtime rapper Pusha T, who performed a freestyle for Red Bull F1 this year.

F1 driver standings ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin

Here are the 2024 driver standings ahead of the Formula One race on Sunday at 2 p.m., according to Formula1.com.

How does the point system work in F1 racing?

Points are awarded only to the top 10 drivers, with the winner earning 25 points, the second place receiving 18 points, and the third-place driver getting 15 points. The points decrease progressively down to the 10th position, which earns just 1 point. Drivers finishing outside the top ten do not receive any points.

— American-Statesman reporter Deborah Sengupta Stith and Kevin Lyttle contributed to this report.