When is the Australian Grand Prix? Date, UK time, circuit and how to follow 2026 F1 season opener

Feb 17, 2026 - 12:30

The 2026 F1 season will get up and running soon as the Australian Grand Prix kicks things off.

Last year finally marked the end of Max Verstappen‘s dominance as a run of four consecutive Drivers’ Championships was ended by Lando Norris.

Lando Norris celebrates winning F1 Drivers' World Championship — Norris became the 11th British drive to be crowned F1 champion

Norris held off a late title challenge from Verstappen to claim victory over the Dutchman in the last race and pip his teammate Oscar Piastri as well.

It was an incredible moment for Norris who realised a lifelong dream in winning.

It was also an excellent year for his team McLaren, who claimed the Constructors for the second consecutive season.

The challenge for them is to do it all over again, while Red Bull and Verstappen will be back with a vengeance.

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari will be hoping or better things after a disappointing campaign.

There are also some significant changes across the teams.

Verstappen’s new partner will be Isack Hadjar, replacing Yuki Tsunoda as number two.

Racing Bulls are giving a seat to 18-year-old Brit Arvid Lindblad.

There are also some team changes as Audi enter, though, they are essentially the old Sauber side.

But Cadillac are brand new, and they’ve gone for some experience in the form of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

So, it’s all set up for an excellent season, starting Down Under.

Max Verstappen holds the trophy aloft on the podium of the Qatar Grand Prix in 2025 — Verstappen managed to reduce a deficit from over 100 to take the title to the final race

When is the Australian Grand Prix?

The race weekend for the 2026 F1 season opener will begin on Friday, March 6 with race day on Sunday, March 8.

It is being held at The Albert Park Circuit, which is a street circuit in Melbourne.

In the UK, qualifying gets underway at 5am on Saturday, March 7, and Lights Out are at 4am on Sunday, March 8.

The entire race weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 with build up to the race starting at 2:30am.

Fans can also catch highlights of the race on Channel 4 at 9pm on Sunday night.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also be across all the latest build-up, news and reaction from Qatar.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App RB looks on in Parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco — Hadjar is the latest person to play second fiddle to Verstappen

Australian Grand Prix: Full schedule

All times UK

Friday, March 6

1:30am: Australian Grand Prix Practice One
3:30am: Australian Grand Prix Teams Press Conference
5:00am: Australian Grand Prix Practice Two

Saturday, March 7

1:30am: Australian Grand Prix Practice Three
5:00am: Australian Grand Prix Qualifying
6:00am: Australian Grand Prix Drivers Press Conference

Sunday, March 8

2:00am: Australian Grand Prix Drivers Parade
4:00am: Australian Grand Prix

Australian Grand Prix: What has been said?

Fresh off the back of winning what he hopes will be many F1 Drivers Championships, Norris has revealed that George Russell is desperate to join him in doing so.

He said: “I spoke to George and Alex the other day because we played padel together.

“We all came into F1 at the same time, and it (Norris winning the title) has created more hunger for them, especially for George because he is the bookies’ favourite.

“He is all a bit giddy at the moment and that is a great thing to see.”

And for the defending champion, he has ambition for more.

“I hope there is that little bit extra level of respect that comes from winning the title because the people who have done it know what it takes. That is cool, an extra bonus and not something I have asked for.

“It is quite clear I have a different mentality and approach to Max, good or bad.

“I am always trying to improve, and I know there are areas that I am not at the level I need to be.

“When you are fighting these guys, you need to be close to perfection. There are still plenty of things I want to work on and be better on.

“But I don’t feel any different coming into this season. I want to go out and win and that is my baseline feeling. But if I don’t achieve it again, I will always have something that I am very proud of and I know is a huge achievement.

“It certainly hasn’t taken away any ambition or desire to want to do it again or to come into this season and to not care about it. If anything, I enjoyed last year a lot and of course I want to do it again. I have come into this season with the same ambition and motivation as last year which is to try and win it.”