2026 F1 Australian Grand Prix Start Times and Full Weekend Schedule

The 2026 Formula 1 season officially begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, featuring a revised schedule that sees the race start at 15:00 local time (04:00 GMT) on Sunday, March 8th. The action at Albert Park Circuit kicks off on Friday with two practice sessions, setting the stage for the first qualifying and Grand Prix of the new regulatory era.

Why it matters:

The Australian GP marks not just the start of a new season but the dawn of F1's next technical era, making the initial performance and reliability data gathered here critical for every team. For fans, the schedule provides the first concrete timeline for a highly anticipated season, setting the rhythm for the year ahead.

The details:

The weekend timetable is packed with track action from Friday through Sunday.

• Friday, March 6: The cars hit the track for Free Practice 1 at 02:30-03:30 GMT (13:30-14:30 local), followed by Free Practice 2 at 06:00-07:00 GMT (17:00-18:00 local).
• Saturday, March 7: The final practice session, FP3, runs from 02:30-03:30 GMT (13:30-14:30 local). Qualifying for the Grand Prix takes place later that day from 06:00-07:00 GMT (17:00-18:00 local).
• Sunday, March 8: The main event, the 58-lap Australian Grand Prix, is scheduled for 04:00 GMT (15:00 local time). The broadcast window is listed from 05:00-07:00 GMT to account for pre-race coverage and the event itself.

What's next:

Following the curtain-raiser in Melbourne, the championship will continue its early-season tour with the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, scheduled for two weeks later. The performance gaps and early narratives established in Australia will shape the conversation and development race as teams head to the next round.