First Look: 2026 Adelaide Motorsport Festival Takes Shape

The Adelaide Motorsport Festival is gearing up for its 2026 edition, promising a celebration of historic Formula 1 machinery and legendary drivers on the iconic former Grand Prix street circuit. The event will blend static displays, demonstration runs, and fan interactions, serving as a major pilgrimage site for motorsport history enthusiasts in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why it matters:

The festival is a crucial bridge between F1's storied past and its present fanbase, keeping the spirit of classic racing alive. Held on the same Adelaide Parklands circuit that hosted the Australian Grand Prix from 1985 to 1995, it offers a unique, tangible connection to the sport's heritage that modern purpose-built circuits often lack.

The details:

• The event transforms the public roads and parklands of Adelaide into a temporary motorsport haven, echoing the atmosphere of the city's F1 era.
• A core attraction is the gathering of significant historic F1 cars, ranging from iconic championship-winners to beloved underdog machines from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
• Legendary Drivers: The festival typically features appearances by former F1 stars, providing fans with rare access and firsthand stories from the cockpit.
• Dynamic Displays: Beyond static exhibits, cars are fired up for demonstration runs, allowing spectators to hear and see the historic machines in motion on the original track layout.

What's next:

With planning for the 2026 event now underway, anticipation will build around the specific classic cars and racing legends confirmed to attend. The festival not only honors history but also plays a vital role in preserving these mechanical artworks and the narratives of the drivers who raced them, ensuring new generations of fans can experience the sights and sounds that defined earlier eras of Formula 1.