F1 Australian Grand Prix 2026 schedule: Preview, race time, where to watch, streaming details and weather forecast

All roads lead to the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne this weekend as the F1 2026 season begins with the Round 1 race, the Australian Grand Prix. Tons of surprises can be expected at the season opener as the Formula One drivers get on track in their all-new modified cars to race under the new F1 regulations. Here is what you can expect from the race, the complete schedule, rain prediction, broadcast details, and more.

Australian Grand Prix 2026 schedule

The F1 Experiences Pit Lane Walk and F1 Experiences Track Tour & Trophy Photo will take place Thursday evening after the drivers sit for a press conference post-noon.

The official Australian Grand Prix will begin on Friday, March 6 with the first free practice, FP1, at 12:30 p.m. (7 a.m. IST), followed by the second free practice, FP2, at 4 p.m. (10:30 a.m. IST) the same day. There will be a teams’ press conference as well in the time between the two sessions.

The drivers will line up for the third free practice, FP3, on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (7 a.m. IST). To set the mood for the season opener, a RAAF air display is also on the schedule before the drivers get ready for qualifying. The real race for grid order will begin in the evening as qualifying is scheduled at 4 p.m. (10:30 a.m. IST). It will be followed by a press conference soon after.

After the Drivers’ Parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. local time and another RAAF air display at 2 p.m. local time, the 2026 F1 season Round 1 final will take place at 3 p.m. (9:30 a.m. IST).

Australian Grand Prix 2026 weather forecast

Melbourne weather is known for its unpredictability, but there is just a 5 percent chance of rain on Friday. The temperature will remain in the range of 15°C to 22°C, but it is expected to be much warmer on the track, around 40 degrees Celsius at the time of the practice sessions.

The weather will remain almost similar on Saturday, with temperatures in the range of 12°C to 19.09°C. The track temperature may, however, reach 29°C, and there is a 5 percent chance of rain as well.

Rain is not expected to play a spoilsport on race day as the weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures running between 12°C and 24.04°C. Track temperature may, however, reach 45°C, making the drivers sweat a bit during the Round 1 final.

Where to watch the Australian Grand Prix

F1 fans in India can tune in to FanCode, TATA Play, and FanCode Sports to watch the season opener in real time. Race enthusiasts can also subscribe to F1 TV Pro or F1 TV Premium for a grand viewing experience of the Australian GP.

Here are the broadcast details for the Australian Grand Prix:
India – FanCode, TATA Play
Australia – Fox Sports, Foxtel, Kayo
USA – ESPN, ESPN Deportes
UK & Ireland – Sky Sports, Channel 4
Canada – RDS, RDS 2, TSN, Noovo
Africa – SuperSport
Brazil – TV Bandeirantes
China – Shanghai TV, Guangdong Television Channel
Italy – Sky Italia
France – Canal+
Germany – Sky Deutschland, RTL
Japan – Fuji TV, DAZN
New Zealand – Sky NZ

Australian GP Preview

The F1 drivers will cover 58 laps of the 5.278 km Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, covering a race distance of 306.124 km. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc holds the record for the fastest lap time of 1:19.813 here in 2024.

It is expected to be a clean slate for the drivers as they get on track to race under the new F1 regulations. The F1 cars are now narrower, lighter, and shorter with a hybrid format. McLaren’s Lando Norris won the last Australian GP and went on to win the title. His teammate Oscar Piastri will, however, be aiming to impress on his home ground, while the lethal Max Verstappen and the confident George Russell are also among the favorites to win the race. Charles Leclerc, who recently got married to Alexandra Leclerc, will also be aiming to repeat his fastest lap record and even clinch a win.

Also read: Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Leclerc to wed again next year; see their dreamy wedding shoot as Leo makes an adorable cake cameo


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