The 2026 Formula 1 season roars into life this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, returning to Melbourne as the opening round of the championship. After an intense winter break shaped by sweeping technical regulation changes, all 11 teams — including new entrant Cadillac — are ready to begin a fresh era of competition at the iconic Albert Park Circuit.
Here’s everything you need to know about session timings, viewing options, venue details, and the weekend weather outlook.
2026 Australian Grand Prix – Session Times (Local Time – Melbourne)
All times listed below are in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT):
Friday, March 6
- Free Practice 1 – 12:30
- Free Practice 2 – 16:00
Saturday, March 7
- Free Practice 3 – 12:30
- Qualifying – 16:00
Sunday, March 8
- Grand Prix Race – 15:00
The main race begins at 3:00 PM local time on Sunday.
How to Watch the 2026 Australian Grand Prix
Fans can follow every session live through official Formula 1 broadcasting platforms:
F1 TV Pro
F1 TV Pro provides uninterrupted live coverage of every practice session, qualifying, and the Grand Prix itself. Key features include:
- Onboard cameras from all 20 drivers
- Exclusive pre-race and post-race programming
- Multi-language commentary (six language options)
- Ad-free streaming
Supported devices include Apple TV, Chromecast (Gen 2 and above), Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku.
F1 TV Premium
For an even more immersive experience, F1 TV Premium offers:
- Live races in 4K Ultra HD with HDR
- Streaming on up to six devices simultaneously
- Multiview functionality with up to 26 selectable feeds (on supported devices)
Coverage also extends beyond Formula 1, including:
- F2
- F3
- F1 ACADEMY
- Porsche Supercup
Live Timing & Digital Coverage
Real-time live timing will be available throughout the weekend via F1.com and the official F1 app.
Venue: Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix takes place at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. The track has hosted Formula 1 since 1996 and has frequently served as the season opener — a role it resumes once again this year.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Albert Park Lake and the Melbourne skyline, the semi-street circuit is known for its fast-flowing layout and demanding braking zones, making it a fan and driver favourite.
Weather Forecast – Melbourne
Following last year’s rain-affected race weekend, early indications suggest far more stable conditions in 2026.
- Friday: Mix of sunshine and cloud
- Saturday: Increased cloud cover
- Sunday (Race Day): Brighter conditions expected
Temperatures across the weekend are forecast to range between:
- High: 24°C
- Low: 15°C
As always in Melbourne, conditions can change quickly, but current projections indicate a dry race weekend.
With new regulations in play, fresh team dynamics, and Cadillac joining the grid, the 2026 season opener promises intrigue from lights out. All eyes now turn to Melbourne — the stage is set for another thrilling start to the Formula 1 campaign.
