Formulation 1’s first qualifying session of 2026 for the Australian Grand Prix is simply hours away, as groups put together to combat for pole place at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit.
This season-opening spherical marks the debut of Formulation 1’s sweeping 2026 rules, that includes main modifications to each chassis design and energy unit structure.
After two follow periods, each Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and the hometown hero, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, led the instances in FP1 and FP2 respectively, with Mercedes wanting notably robust in longer runs.
Nonetheless, the order isn’t sure as groups are nonetheless working to know the true aggressive order below the brand new guidelines.
Twenty-two vehicles will qualify, together with two new groups, Audi (previously Sauber) and the brand new U.S. crew Cadillac, making its Formulation 1 race weekend debut in Australia.
Saturday’s working begins with the ultimate follow session earlier than groups flip their focus to qualifying, the place the primary pole place of the brand new Formulation 1 period can be determined.
Right here is all the pieces you want to know forward of qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.
How can I watch the F1 Australian GP?
Lando Norris, McLaren, Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing
Picture by: Peter Fox / Getty Pictures
Broadcast protection of Formulation 1 varies by area, with some modifications for 2026.
In the UK, Sky Sports activities continues because the championship’s unique broadcaster, displaying each session reside all through the season. Protection will also be streamed by way of Sky Go or NOW.
In the USA, Apple TV has taken over as Formulation 1’s major broadcast companion for 2026, with all periods out there on the platform following a brand new multi-year deal. F1 TV stays the collection’ international subscription streaming service.
Motorsport.com will present reside textual content commentary of each session, together with qualifying.
F1 Australian GP schedule
Free Observe 3
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Australian GP – FP3 |
Qualifying
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Australian GP – QU |
Race
| Occasion | Date |
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Australian GP – RACE |
What’s the climate forecast for Australian GP qualifying?
Saturday 7 March: Free Observe 3 and Qualifying
Circumstances in Melbourne are anticipated to stay dry however barely cooler in comparison with Friday.
For Free Observe 3, temperatures are forecast to be round 17C, with largely cloudy skies and a 30% likelihood of rain.
Later for qualifying, the temperature will enhance to 20C as winds are anticipated to extend barely to round 14 km/h, with gusts at 22 km/h, dropping humidity ranges to beneath 70%. Although overcast situations are anticipated, rain stays unlikely.
These secure situations ought to enable groups to concentrate on maximizing efficiency as they battle for the primary pole place of the 2026 Formulation 1 season.
All F1 2026 Groups and Drivers
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