When is the Australian Grand Prix? Dates, UK start time, circuit and where to watch 2026 F1 season opener

Mar 3, 2026 - 16:45

The 2026 F1 season soon be up and running as the Australian Grand Prix kicks things off in Melbourne this weekend.

Last year finally marked the end of Max Verstappen‘s dominance with Red Bull, 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 driver 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 McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri as well.

It was also an excellent year for McLaren as a team, as they claimed the Constructors’ title for the second consecutive season.

The challenge for them is now 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 for better things after a disappointing debut campaign for the British legend.

Audi and Cadillac will be taking part in their F1 season as new introductions to the grid for a much-changed campaign.

Each driver will be in a new-look car after multiple technical regulations were overhauled, while power units will rely more on electrical energy and DRS has been replaced by ‘Overtake Mode’.

So, plenty is expected to be found out about the drivers and teams in the opening race of the season this weekend.

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 in Melbourne.

Practice 1 will be starting at 1:30am UK time on Friday, March 6, with Practice 2 at 5am and Practice 3 on Saturday at 1:30am.

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 last season

Australian Grand Prix: Full schedule

All times UK

Friday, March 6

1:30am: Australian Grand Prix Practice One
5:00am: Australian Grand Prix Practice Two

Saturday, March 7

1:30am: Australian Grand Prix Practice Three
5:00am: Australian Grand Prix Qualifying

Sunday, March 8

4:00am: Australian Grand Prix

In the UK, qualifying gets underway later on Saturday at 5am, before Lights Out will be at 4am on Sunday.

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.

George Russell watches on — George Russell has been made the early favourite to win the 2026 F1 world title

Australian Grand Prix: What has been said?

Writing on social media before the new season starts, Hamilton has promised there will be ‘no holding back’ from him.

He wrote on Instagram: “Twenty seasons as an F1 driver. It’s hard to even grasp the reality of that number. It started with a dream. A dream some called ridiculous and said would never amount to anything. Despite that, the dream never changed, and I never stopped chasing it.

“A dream has to be matched with action and, above all, belief. Belief that doesn’t break no matter what’s thrown in your face or what you come up against. There will always be people who doubt you, people who try to block you, but you can’t ever stop fighting.

“Twenty years filled with incredible highs and brutal lows, with more mistakes than I can count. But those mistakes made the journey even sweeter. You hold the power to your destiny. Everything you need to succeed is within you. You will need help along the way, like I did, but that spark, that fire, is already inside you.

“I’m forever grateful for the lessons, the quiet moments, the chaos, and the many people who helped me chase and achieve my dreams. I’m grateful for the doubters and for the ones who tried to knock me down, too. I’m still here, 20 years on, still standing, still hungry, still focused on the dream.

“No holding back.”