System 1’s first qualifying session of 2026 for the Australian Grand Prix is just hours away, as groups put together to struggle for pole place at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit.
This season-opening spherical marks the debut of System 1’s sweeping 2026 laws, that includes main adjustments to each chassis design and energy unit structure.Â
After two apply periods, each Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and the hometown hero, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, led the instances in FP1 and FP2 respectively, with Mercedes wanting significantly robust in longer runs.
Nonetheless, the order shouldn’t be sure as groups are nonetheless working to grasp the true aggressive order below the brand new guidelines.
Twenty-two automobiles will qualify, together with two new groups, Audi (previously Sauber) and Cadillac, each making their System 1 race weekend debuts in Australia.
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Saturday’s working begins with the ultimate apply session earlier than groups flip their focus to qualifying, the place the primary pole place of the brand new System 1 period can be determined.
Right here is the whole lot that you must know forward of qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.
How can I watch the F1 Australian GP?
Lando Norris, McLaren, Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing
Photograph by: Peter Fox / Getty Photos
Broadcast protection of System 1 varies by area, with some adjustments for 2026.
In the UK, Sky Sports activities continues because the championship’s unique broadcaster, displaying each session reside all through the season. Protection may also be streamed by way of Sky Go or NOW.
In america, Apple TV has taken over as System 1’s major broadcast associate for 2026, with all periods obtainable on the platform following a brand new multi-year deal. F1 TV stays the collection’ world subscription streaming service.
Motorsport.com will present reside textual content commentary of each session, together with qualifying.
F1 Australian GP schedule
Free Observe 3
Occasion
Date
12:30 Â
Australian GP – FP3
Qualifying
Occasion
Date
16:00 Â
Australian GP – QU
Race
Occasion
Date
15:00 Â
Australian GP – RACE
Â
What’s the climate forecast for Australian GP qualifying?
Saturday 7 March: Free Observe 3 and Qualifying
Circumstances in Melbourne are anticipated to stay dry however barely cooler in comparison with Friday.
For Free Observe 3, temperatures are forecast to be round 17C, with principally cloudy skies and a 30% likelihood of rain.
Later for qualifying, the temperature will improve to 20C as winds are anticipated to extend barely to round 14 km/h, with gusts at 22 km/h, dropping humidity ranges to under 70%. Although overcast situations are anticipated, rain stays unlikely.
These secure situations ought to enable groups to give attention to maximizing efficiency as they battle for the primary pole place of the 2026 System 1 season.
All F1 2026 Groups and Drivers
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