F1 Australian GP: Sunday race schedule, climate, and the right way to watch

The Australian Grand Prix, Formulation 1’s first race of 2026, is predicted to be one of many most-watched F1 races in latest reminiscence.

New guidelines, new automobiles, new groups, new drivers: this isn’t an occasion to overlook and can set the stage for the remaining 23 races this 12 months. For the primary time in a decade, a bigger grid of twenty-two automobiles will contest the Australian GP.

Right here is all the things it’s worthwhile to know forward of the Australian Grand Prix.

F1 Australian GP beginning grid

After qualifying, rivals had been left reeling as Mercedes lastly unleashed its true tempo, with George Russell claiming pole place with a 1m18.518 lap, and Kimi Antonelli simply behind on a 1m18.811. A career-best qualifying results of third for Isack Hadjar salvages one thing for Pink Bull, after Max Verstappen ended within the limitations on his first flying lap of Q1.

The intense rear locking that caught out the four-time world champion confirmed the tough traits of the 2026 automobiles, with a number of drivers having points, notably Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto who certified inside the highest 10 however was pressured to desert his automotive and Q3 try when he stopped on pit entry on the finish of Q2. Learn our full qualifying report right here.

63

Mercedes
Mercedes
22

S
241.992

12

Mercedes
Mercedes
18

0.293
S
241.093

6

Pink Bull
Pink Bull
19

0.492
S
239.597

When is the F1 Australian GP?

Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing

Photograph by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Photographs through Getty Photographs

Date: Sunday 8 March
Begin time: 4am GMT/3pm native time

Occasion
Date

15:00

Australian GP – RACE

The 2026 F1 season opener, the Australian GP, begins at 4 AM GMT, 3 PM native time, 11 PM EST and eight PM PST on Sunday 8 March.

How can I watch the F1 Australian GP?

There are some adjustments to know of for the 2026 season. Broadcast protection of Formulation 1 varies by area, with new selections within the US.

In the UK, Sky Sports activities continues because the championship’s unique broadcaster, exhibiting each session dwell all through the season. Protection may also be streamed through Sky Go or NOW, and highlights will probably be broadcast free-to-air on Channel 4.

In america, Apple TV has taken over as Formulation 1’s major broadcast accomplice for 2026, with all classes accessible on the platform following a brand new multi-year deal. F1 TV stays the collection’ international subscription streaming service.

Motorsport.com will present dwell textual content commentary of each session, together with qualifying.

How can I hearken to the F1 Australian GP on the radio?

By your entire 2026 Formulation 1 season, races, qualifying, and pre- and post-show commentary is on the market on BBC Radio 5 without spending a dime.

On Satellite tv for pc radio, SiriusXM has dwell protection of each 2026 race, broadcasting the dwell BBC radio feed on satellite tv for pc channels 160/205.

What’s the climate forecast for Australian GP qualifying?

Sunday 8 March: Race

For the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, situations in Melbourne are anticipated to be sunny, heat and dry.

A mixture of solar and clouds is forecasted, with temperatures round 23C, and no probability of rain. The wind is predicted to be 15 km/h, with gusts of as much as 25 km/h.

For followers, groups, and drivers, these are as near ultimate situations as doable for the opening race of the 2026 Formulation 1 season.

Pictures from Australian GP – Saturday

George Russell, Mercedes