Formula 1 is back and better than ever. The 2026 season will get underway this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.
While fans can expect the same intense competition as always, this season will also enter a new era of regulation changes. Cars will be lighter, smaller and fitted with revised power units as well as an array of different racing modes, which will bring several new elements to the track.
With a myriad of new factors to account for, there are also a lot of lingering questions. Can Lando Norris defend his World Drivers’ Championship title? Can McLaren continue its reign of dominance, or will newcomers Cadillac and Audi shake up the competitive order?
There’s only one way to find out.
Here’s how to watch the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, including TV channel and streaming options for the Formula 1 race.
Where to watch Australian Grand Prix 2026 for free
In the United States, Apple has the exclusive rights to F1 for the 2026 season.
New subscribers to Apple TV can sign up for a 7-day FREE trial. If you’ve bought an eligible Apple device recently, you can also get up to three months of the streaming service totally free. After that, the subscription will cost $12.99/month.
For the 2026 season, Apple TV will host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix with select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.
F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the US via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.
Australian Grand Prix 2026 start time
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix will take place at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday, March 8 and will begin at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that start time translates across North America:
| Date | Start time | |
| Eastern Time | Saturday, March 7 | 11 p.m. |
| Central Time | Saturday, March 7 | 10 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Saturday, March 7 | 9 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Saturday, March 7 | 8 p.m. |
Australian Grand Prix schedule
| Date | Event | Time (ET) |
| March 5 | Practice One | 8:30 p.m. |
| Practice Two | 12 a.m. | |
| March 6 | Practice Three | 8:30 p.m. |
| Qualifying | 12 a.m. | |
| March 7 | Australian Grand Prix | 11 p.m. |
