F1 Australian GP: How to watch qualifying live on TV and streaming
The first qualifying session of the 2026 F1 season takes place in Melbourne, revealing the true competitive order under new technical rules. European fans can watch live on Sky in Germany, ServusTV in Austria, and SRF in Switzerland, with a new format for the expanded 22-car grid.
The 2026 Formula 1 season's first true competitive test arrives with qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Fans across Europe face an early wake-up call to catch the live action, which will be broadcast on a mix of pay-TV and free-to-air channels in German-speaking regions.
Why it matters:
Qualifying provides the first clear picture of the competitive order under the new 2026 technical regulations, which feature a stronger electrical component. It's the moment teams fully reveal their performance potential, setting the stage for the season's opening race and offering critical early insights into which constructors have mastered the new rules.
The details:
- Session Times (CET): The third free practice begins at 02:30 on Saturday, followed by qualifying. The schedule reflects the significant time difference with Australia.
- Broadcasters:
- Germany: Exclusive coverage remains with Sky (TV, Sky GO, WOW streaming).
- Austria: ServusTV broadcasts the entire weekend free-to-air, with a stream on ServusTV On.
- Switzerland: Qualifying is shown live on free channel SRF 2 (FP3 is not broadcast).
- New Qualifying Format: With the expanded grid of 22 cars, six drivers will be eliminated in both Q1 and Q2. The final Q3 session has been extended to 13 minutes for the top ten drivers fighting for pole position.
What's next:
For those who miss the live overnight broadcast, multiple replay options are available throughout Saturday on Sky F1, Sky Sport News, and ServusTV, starting from 09:00 CET. The results from qualifying will define the grid for the Australian Grand Prix, offering the first definitive answer on which teams have started the 2026 season on the front foot.
summary: The first qualifying session of the 2026 F1 season takes place in Melbourne, revealing the true competitive order under new technical rules. European fans can watch live on Sky in Germany, ServusTV in Austria, and SRF in Switzerland, with a new format for the expanded 22-car grid.
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