Melbourne, This Is Formula 1

For three days in March, Melbourne becomes the centre of the Formula 1 universe.
The Australian Grand Prix returns to Albert Park from 14–16 March 2026, bringing with it the sound, speed and spectacle that only F1 can deliver.

With the city buzzing, trams packed and engines echoing across the parklands, Grand Prix weekend is more than a race — it’s a full-scale Melbourne event.

2026 Race Weekend Schedule

Friday 6 March – Practice

• Practice 1: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
• Practice 2: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Saturday 7 March – Qualifying Day

• Practice 3: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
• Qualifying: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Sunday 8 March – Race Day

• Race Start: 3:00pm

The 2026 Driver Grid

The world’s elite drivers return to Melbourne, including reigning champions, rising stars and home-grown heroes:

• Max Verstappen
• Oscar Piastri
• Lando Norris
• Charles Leclerc
• George Russell
• Lewis Hamilton
• Fernando Alonso
• Carlos Sainz
• Alexander Albon
• Liam Lawson
• Yuki Tsunoda
• Lance Stroll
• Esteban Ocon
• Pierre Gasly
• Nico Hülkenberg
• Oliver Bearman
• Kimi Antonelli
• Gabriel Bortoleto
• Isack Hadjar
• Franco Colapinto

Last Season’s Form: Who’s Hot

Momentum matters in Formula 1. The top ten finishers from last season show just how tight the competition is heading into Melbourne:

1. Max Verstappen
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Lando Norris
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Fernando Alonso
7. Esteban Ocon
8. Lewis Hamilton
9. Nico Hülkenberg
10. Lance Stroll

Start (or Finish) Your Race Day at Timeout Fed Square

Whether you’re heading trackside early or debriefing after the chequered flag, Timeout Fed Square is the perfect place to anchor your Grand Prix plans.

Located just minutes from Flinders Street Station, it’s an easy meeting point for race fans before jumping on public transport to Albert Park — or a relaxed spot to wind down once the engines fall silent.

Getting to the Circuit

Public transport is the fastest way to Albert Park during Grand Prix weekend:

• Train: Flinders Street Station to tram connections
• Tram: Direct services to Albert Park Circuit
• Walking: From the CBD for those who enjoy the pre-race buzz

Leave the car at home — the city is built for race weekend.

Why Melbourne’s Grand Prix Is Different

There’s a reason drivers, teams and fans circle Melbourne on the calendar.
Albert Park combines high-speed straights with tight technical corners — all wrapped inside one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Formula 1 doesn’t just visit Melbourne. It takes it over.