Historic V10 Jaguar to roar at Australian GP alongside Brabham tribute

The iconic scream of a Formula 1 V10 engine will return to Albert Park this week, headlining a major celebration of Sir Jack Brabham's historic 1966 championship on the 60th anniversary of his title. The 2001 Jaguar-Cosworth R2 will perform demonstration runs, while a parade of 50 classic cars will honor the Australian legend's career.

Why it matters:

The sound of a naturally-aspirated V10 is a visceral reminder of a beloved era in F1, offering fans a nostalgic auditory spectacle absent from the current hybrid turbo V6s. Simultaneously, honoring Brabham's unique achievement—winning a world championship in a car he built himself—connects the sport's present to its foundational history, celebrating a pivotal moment for Australian motorsport on home soil.

The details:

• V10 Thunder: The striking green and white Jaguar R2, driven by Eddie Irvine in the 2001 season, will take to the track on Thursday, reviving its signature high-pitched engine note for fans.
• Brabham Celebration: A massive display of up to 50 cars will parade around the circuit, spanning Brabham's entire F1 career from 1955 to 1970. The tribute will feature machinery from both the Brabham and Cooper teams, with which he won his three world titles (1959, 1960, 1966).
• Family Involvement: Sir Jack's son, David Brabham, and grandson, Sam Brabham, will be behind the wheel of some of the historic F1 cars during the demonstrations.
• Hall of Fame Induction: A Thursday-exclusive Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame ceremony will induct six new members. In a first, the actual 1966 Repco-Brabham BT-19 chassis Brabham drove to four consecutive wins and the championship will itself be inducted as an historic artifact.

What's next:

The historic demonstrations and ceremonies serve as the opening act for the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend, which runs from March 5-8. For attendees, it provides a rare chance to experience the sights and sounds of F1's past before the modern cars hit the track for official practice and qualifying, creating a full-spectrum celebration of the sport's legacy at Albert Park.