Australian Grand Prix 2026

The season-opening race around the stunning Albert Park Lake circuit in Melbourne, kicking off the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.

Race Information

Circuit

Albert Park Circuit

Location

Melbourne, Australia

Laps

58

Circuit Length

5.278 km

First Grand Prix

1996 (Melbourne)

Lap Record

Charles Leclerc (1:19.813, 2024)

About Albert Park Circuit

The Albert Park Circuit is a semi-permanent street circuit that winds around the picturesque Albert Park Lake in Melbourne, Victoria. Since 1996, it has served as the home of the Australian Grand Prix, frequently opening the Formula 1 season and setting the tone for the championship battle ahead.

The circuit was significantly redesigned ahead of the 2022 season, with several corners modified or removed to increase overtaking opportunities and raise average speeds. The changes were widely praised, transforming what was previously considered a processional track into one that produces exciting, unpredictable races. The layout now features 14 turns across its 5.278-kilometre lap, with faster sweeping corners replacing some of the tighter chicanes that characterised the old configuration.

Melbourne's Albert Park offers a unique atmosphere in the F1 calendar, with the circuit set among parklands, a golf course, and the lake itself. The event draws enormous crowds and is a highlight of the Australian sporting calendar, combining world-class motorsport with a festival-like atmosphere in one of the world's most liveable cities. The time zone difference means UK fans typically watch the race in the early hours of the morning, but the spectacle is well worth the alarm clock.

How to Watch the Australian Grand Prix

In the UK, the Australian Grand Prix is broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with coverage of all practice sessions, qualifying, and the race. Sky Go and NOW TV provide streaming options for subscribers.

Channel 4 shows extended highlights of every race, typically broadcast later the same day. For full details on session times and channels, check our TV schedule page.

Internationally, the race is available on F1 TV Pro in select regions, as well as through local broadcasters including ESPN (USA), Fox Sports (Australia), and Sky Italia (Italy).

Previous Winners

Year Winner Team
2025Lando NorrisMcLaren
2024Carlos SainzFerrari
2023Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing
2022Charles LeclercFerrari
2021Not held