It appeared like System 1 was solely away for 5 minutes, as a result of its 2026 marketing campaign begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix to kickstart a brand new period for the championship.
This yr will debut a regulation overhaul, arguably the largest in F1 historical past, with modifications to each the chassis and energy unit which means the pecking order is at present an estimation sport.
The one factor to go off in the meanwhile is pre-season kind with 9 days of testing throughout Barcelona and Bahrain, which additionally noticed the debut of two new groups: Audi and Cadillac.
Neither are anticipated to be on the sharp finish of the grid although, with McLaren, Mercedes, Purple Bull and Ferrari the probably contenders for pole – however might anyone spring a shock, like Brawn from 2009?
Nicely solely time will inform, so right here is all the knowledge you want for the grand prix at Albert Park.
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The place can I watch the F1 Australian GP?
F1 is in its common vacation spot for followers in the UK, with Sky Sports activities getting into its 14th yr of broadcasting the championship. It should dwell broadcast each session of the 2026 marketing campaign, which implies the motion will also be streamed through the Sky Go app or NOW TV. UK followers can even watch qualifying and race highlights in the identical place: Channel 4.
There may be change in america, nevertheless, as Apple TV is now F1’s unique broadcast holder, having taken over from ESPN for 2026. The streaming platform has obtained a landmark five-year deal, understood to be value roughly $140m yearly, with each session accessible to Apple TV subscribers.
Choose races are additionally accessible on the Apple TV app, without spending a dime and the races in Miami, Monaco, Britain, Italy and Austin may also be broadcast dwell in IMAX theatres throughout the US. It means F1 TV is now not the standalone streaming service within the US, and Apple additionally struck a cope with Netflix, which entails it broadcasting Season 8 of Drive to Survive whereas the Canadian Grand Prix may also be broadcast on Netflix.
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls leads Isack Hadjar, Purple Bull Racing
Picture by: Andy Hone / LAT Photos through Getty Photos
How can I comply with the F1 Australian GP dwell?
Dwell protection of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix weekend is out there on Motorsport.com with commentary of each session, beginning with first observe.
F1 Australian GP schedule
Free observe 1
Occasion
Date
12:30
Australian GP – FP1
Free observe 2
Occasion
Date
16:00
Australian GP – FP2
Free observe 3
Occasion
Date
12:30
Australian GP – FP3
Qualifying
Occasion
Date
16:00
Australian GP – QU
Race
Occasion
Date
15:00
Australian GP – RACE
What’s the climate forecast for the F1 Australian GP?
Friday 6 March: Free Observe 1 and a pair of
The opening day of the 2026 F1 marketing campaign is anticipated to be sizzling and dry, with native forecasts suggesting that air temperature shall be round 20C in Melbourne for the beginning of first observe. It’ll be barely cloudy, however with a less-than-5% likelihood of rain and a peaceful wind pace of 3mph.
It must be fairly humid although with ranges at 65%, although that’s anticipated to lower to 46% in time for FP2. That’s as a result of the cloud cowl ought to have cleared by then, with second observe occurring below clear skies at 23C and, once more, comparatively calm winds.
Saturday 7 March: Free Observe 3 and Qualifying
Circumstances must be extra overcast for day two of this weekend’s grand prix, however nonetheless with a lower than 5% likelihood of rain whereas air temperature is at 19C in Melbourne for the beginning of FP3. The wind pace is anticipated to be round 7mph with 65% humidity, dropping to 52% in time for qualifying. Qualifying must be cloudy, however nonetheless sizzling and dry with a less-than-5% likelihood of rain at 21C.
Sunday 8 March: Race
Circumstances in Melbourne must be sunny once more for race day, with clear blue skies and a lower than 5% likelihood of rain. It’s also anticipated to be sizzling, round 20C for the beginning of the race, which ought to rise to 23C by the tip with humidity ranges beginning at roughly 58% earlier than dropping to 48%.
F1 2026 grid
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