Formula 1, Sportrik Media - The opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 season will take place at the Australian Grand Prix at the street circuit of Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne from March 6–8, 2026.
The race will cover 58 laps around Albert Park and is scheduled to start at 15:00 local time in Melbourne on Sunday, March 8. The event marks the beginning of a new Formula 1 season and a fresh technical regulation era.
The race weekend will begin with two free practice sessions on Friday before teams return to the track on Saturday for the final practice session and qualifying. The qualifying session will determine the starting grid for Sunday’s grand prix.
Below is the complete schedule for the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne local time (AEDT).
| Session | Date | Time (Local Time – Melbourne) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, March 6, 2026 | 08:30 – 09:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Friday, March 6, 2026 | 12:00 – 13:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 08:30 – 09:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 12:00 – 13:00 |
| Race | Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 15:00 |
The 2026 season also marks the start of a new technical era under the supervision of the FIA. Leading teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing are expected to battle for early championship momentum from the opening race.
The Australian Grand Prix remains one of the most anticipated races on the Formula 1 calendar, with the fast and scenic Albert Park street circuit often producing unpredictable results at the start of the season.
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