Australian GP

F1 Australia GP 2026 | Dates, Schedule & Start Times

The temporary 5.278km Albert Park semi-street circuit provides a stern challenge for drivers who are forced to navigate bumps and cope with the ever-changing grip levels as the track rubbers in. 

It is also one of the faster layouts on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton's 2018 pole lap set at an average of over 235km/h. 

Ahead of the 2022 event, changes were made to the track, with upgrades to several corners meaning that the new layout comes in some 23 metres shorter than its predecessor. There are also 14 turns, rather than 16.

When is the 2026 Australian Grand Prix on the F1 calendar?

The Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 6-8 March and is set to be the first race of the Formula 1 season. The first two free practice sessions will take place on 14 March, with qualifying on Saturday, 15 March at 05:00 GMT.

This is the start time of the F1 2026 Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix starts on Sunday 8 March at 04:00 GMT. The race can be followed live on RacingNews365's blog.

History of the F1 Australian Grand Prix

Despite some protests, the deal to move the Australian Grand Prix to Albert Park was finalised in 1993, with the circuit comprising a mixture of existing public roads as well as a car park. 

The first race in 1996 is remembered for an infamous incident on the opening lap, in which Martin Brundle was vaulted into the air in his Jordan after colliding with Sauber’s Johnny Herbert.

Damon Hill was the winner of the event, whilst other victors at the track have included Mika Hakkinen, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.

Most successful F1 drivers and teams

The race is one that Mercedes have dominated in recent times, winning four of the last seven before Ferrari took the spoils in 2022 and Red Bull won in 2023. 

Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Albert Park track, having won the event on four occasions.

Schumacher achieved all of his wins at the venue with Ferrari, and the Scuderia are the constructor with the most success at the circuit, with nine victories to their name.