Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says the Melbourne opener will be both intriguing and humbling, as the new W17 holds many unknowns and the Middle East crisis underscores sport can feel secondary.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly says he trusts F1 will make the right call on the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, which are in doubt amid escalating Middle‑East conflict and impact on the April calendar.
Despite the Iran‑US conflict and Gulf travel disruptions, all F1 teams have reached Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. The FIA lifted weekend curfews and will monitor the Bahrain and Saudi rounds.
Middle East conflict disrupted flights to Melbourne, prompting the FIA to suspend the pre‑session curfew. Teams now have unrestricted paddock access ahead of the season‑opening Australian Grand Prix.
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Lewis Hamilton called Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and McLaren CEO Zak Brown for insight after Bahrain 2026 testing, but got no answers, leaving him uncertain about Ferrari's competitiveness ahead of the Australian GP.
The FIA has published the 2026 Australian Grand Prix press‑conference schedule, covering Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March and listing driver, team‑principal and podium interview slots.
Irish driver Alex Dunne, after leaving McLaren and a botched Red Bull deal, signs with Alpine Academy. He will race F2 for Rodin Motorsport in 2026 while chasing a Super Licence.
F1 veteran Bernie Collins guesses who said these iconic Australian GP radio messages, offering his best guesses on which driver or engineer was speaking. The segment highlights drama and humor radio adds to the race.
Sky Sports F1's expert panel unanimously picks George Russell as the 2026 Drivers' Championship favorite, but forecasts a tight and unpredictable Constructors' battle and up to ten different race winners in the new regulatory era, with bold calls for rookie success and shock podiums.
F1 TV commentator and ex-Renault driver Jolyon Palmer took to the Albert Park circuit in a Supercars Championship Camaro, filming a segment for the broadcast service. He compared the visceral, forgiving experience of the heavy touring car directly to his past F1 outings at the same track.
To manage the logistical squeeze from F1's new 11th team, Cadillac, the Australian GP will temporarily lower its pit lane speed limit. The historic Albert Park circuit is implementing this one-year measure ahead of a major $350 million facility upgrade set to begin after this weekend's race.
