World 100m and 200m record holder, Usain Bolt, will be the official starter on Sunday for the U.S Grand Prix in Austin, tex.

The eight-time Olympic champion, who retired from athletics following the London 2017 World Athletics Championships, is also set to be driven around the Circuit of the Americas by championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the build-up to the Grand Prix.

Bolt is one of a number of glamour names F1’s American owners Liberty Media are using over the weekend for their first home grand prix.

Sunday’s race could see both world championships decided. Hamilton will claim his fourth world title if he outscores Sebastian Vettel by 16 points and team-mate Valtteri Bottas by three points, while Mercedes will win their fourth consecutive Constructors’ Championship if they collect 17 more points than Ferrari.

As part of a unique pre-race build-up, legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer will introduce each driver to the grid.

The FIA have granted special dispensation for the usual race start procedure to be altered so cars can leave the pit lane 15 minutes early to make their way to the grid so that Buffer’s introductions can be accommodated.

Liberty Media have also delayed Saturday’s Qualifying session by two hours in an attempt to encourage more fans to remain at the circuit for a Justin Timberlake concert in the evening.