F1's 2026 Australian Grand Prix Schedule

The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off next week with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, marking the official start of a new era after winter testing and car launches. Here are the complete session times for the opening weekend across major time zones.

The Details:

The schedule follows the traditional weekend format, with practice and qualifying setting the stage for Sunday's race.

• Friday, March 6 (Local Time / AEDT):
  • Practice 1: 12:30 PM
  • Practice 2: 4:00 PM
• Saturday, March 7 (Local Time / AEDT):
  • Practice 3: 12:30 PM
  • Qualifying: 4:00 PM
• Sunday, March 8 (Local Time / AEDT):
  • Race: 3:00 PM

For viewers in other regions, here are the key broadcast times:

• UK / GMT:
  • Practice 1: 1:30 AM (Sat)
  • Qualifying: 5:00 AM (Sat)
  • Race: 4:00 AM (Sun)
• US (Eastern / EST):
  • Practice 1: 8:30 PM (Fri)
  • Qualifying: 12:00 AM (Sat)
  • Race: 11:00 PM (Sat)
• Central Europe (CET):
  • Practice 1: 2:30 AM (Sat)
  • Qualifying: 6:00 AM (Sat)
  • Race: 5:00 AM (Sun)

What's Next:

The lights go out in Melbourne to begin the long 2026 campaign. All eyes will be on the track to see which teams have nailed the new regulations during the off-season and which drivers will seize the early initiative in the championship fight.