The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2026 will be the opening race of the season, held at Melbourne’s Albert Park from March 6 to 8.
This historic event launches a major new era in F1, featuring sweeping technical changes, new teams like Cadillac and Audi, and the return of Ford to the sport.
Contents
- 1 Quick Highlights
- 2 Why is Melbourne Hosting the First F1 Race in 2026?
- 3 What Changes Are Coming to F1 in 2026?
- 4 Which New Teams Will Debut at the Melbourne Grand Prix?
- 5 Cadillac
- 6 Audi
- 7 What’s Changing in the F1 Race Calendar?
- 8 What Else Can You Do in Melbourne During Grand Prix Week?
- 9 How to Get to Albert Park and Where to Stay?
- 10 Why Melbourne?
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Highlights
- 🏁 Opening Race: March 6–8, 2026 at Albert Park, Melbourne
- 🆕 New Teams: Cadillac and Audi make their debut
- ⚙️ Regulation Overhaul: Smaller cars, more electric power, active aero
- 🇪🇸 Calendar Update: Madrid joins, Imola drops out
- 🏁 Finale: Abu Dhabi, December 6
Why is Melbourne Hosting the First F1 Race in 2026?
Melbourne will officially open the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, continuing its legacy as a fan-favourite launch venue.
The race will take place at Albert Park from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, 2026. The decision comes after the 2025 Grand Prix broke attendance records, with over 465,000 fans pouring into the lakeside circuit.
The CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Travis Auld, confirmed the excitement:
“There’s something truly special about being the first race of the season, and we’re looking forward to doing it all again in front of a full house.”
What Changes Are Coming to F1 in 2026?
The 2026 F1 regulations will reshape how the sport looks, sounds, and drives.
Here’s what’s changing:
- New Power Units: Hybrid engines will increase electric power (MGU-K up to 350kW) and ditch the MGU-H component. Internal combustion power drops to 400kW.
- More Sustainable Fuel: All cars will run on fully sustainable fuel.
- Compact Cars: Shorter wheelbase, narrower width, and 30kg lighter overall.
- Active Aero: Rear and front wings will now adjust mid-race to improve overtaking.
- Stronger Safety Measures: A two-stage front crash structure and better roll hoop protection will help prevent driver injury.
These changes are designed to improve racing, reduce emissions, and cut costs — while still keeping the thrill.
Which New Teams Will Debut at the Melbourne Grand Prix?
Cadillac and Audi will officially join the F1 grid in 2026, both debuting in Melbourne.
Cadillac
- Backed by General Motors
- Partnered with Andretti Global
- Will initially use Ferrari power units
- Aims to build its own engines long-term
Audi
- Has taken full control of Sauber
- Will enter as a full works team
- Expects to race with their own power unit developed in Germany
🔥 Bonus: Red Bull will also switch to a Ford-backed powertrain, marking the American giant’s F1 return after 22 years.
What’s Changing in the F1 Race Calendar?
The 2026 season will feature 24 races across five continents, with Melbourne as the opener and Abu Dhabi as the finale.
Key updates:
- 🇪🇸 Madrid joins the schedule with a brand-new city circuit
- 🇮🇹 Imola is dropped from the calendar
- 🕌 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are moved to April due to Ramadan
- 🇲🇨 Monaco moves earlier to June
- 🌎 The season ends December 6 in Abu Dhabi, with stops in Brazil, Mexico, Vegas and Qatar
✈️ Tip: Book early to save on flights and Melbourne accommodation.
What Else Can You Do in Melbourne During Grand Prix Week?
Race week in Melbourne is more than just F1. It’s a full-blown festival.
Here’s what locals and travellers love to combine with the Grand Prix:
- 🎤 Live music around the city
- 🍝 Food trucks and pop-up bars at Albert Park
- 🚤 Yarra River cruises and rooftop bars
- 🎭 Events at Fed Square and the NGV
- 🛍️ Shopping at Emporium and Bourke Street Mall
How to Get to Albert Park and Where to Stay?
Albert Park is just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, making it easy to reach via tram or on foot.
- 🚋 Trams 96, 12, and 16 run directly past the circuit
- 🏨 Stay in Southbank, St Kilda, or Docklands for the fastest access
- 🚗 Limited parking — consider rideshare or walking from nearby hotels
Why Melbourne?
Hosting the opening race cements Melbourne’s status as one of F1’s global powerhouses.
It brings:
- 💼 Boosts to tourism and hospitality industries
- 🛬 Thousands of interstate and international visitors
- 📣 Global attention on Melbourne’s culture, lifestyle, and cityscape
This isn’t just a race — it’s one of the biggest weekends on the city’s calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Australian Grand Prix 2026?
The event runs from March 6–8, 2026, with support races and fan activations starting from Thursday, March 5.
Where is the 2026 Australian Grand Prix held?
The race takes place at Albert Park Circuit, 3km from Melbourne’s city centre.
Can I buy tickets now?
Not yet. But ticket sales will be announced soon via the grandprix.com.au.
Wondering if the Grand Prix falls on a VIC public holiday?
While the 2026 Australian Grand Prix takes place from March 6–8 (Friday to Sunday), it’s not on a Victorian public holiday.
But with Labour Day just around the corner on Monday, March 9, you could turn race weekend into a long one.
👉 Check out all the VIC public holidays in 2026 to start planning.
