2026 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix Melbourne: complete visitor guide

What is the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?

The Australian Grand Prix is a Formula 1 motor race that takes place annually in Melbourne. It is one of the oldest races on the Formula 1 calendar, having been first held in 1928.

The Australian Grand Prix has been won by many famous drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Lewis Hamilton.

When and where is the 2026 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?

The 2026 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held from Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, just south of Melbourne's CBD. The 5.278km circuit is a temporary street track that winds around Albert Park Lake using a mixture of the existing roads and purpose-built sections.

The four-day motorsport extravaganza is headlined by Formula 1, with Formula 2 and Formula 3 as support categories.

The event will see Formula 1 drivers compete in three practice sessions and a qualifying round before the main event on Sunday 8 March, which will see all the race action commence at around 3pm.

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Getting to the Australian Grand Prix

Plan your journey in advance, arrive early, and allow plenty of time to get to the event, as the Grand Prix will be busy and crowded - especially on race day.

Public transport

Albert Park is well connected by public transport, and using it is strongly encouraged during the Grand Prix weekend.

Trams are the most popular way to get to the circuit, with services running from the CBD to multiple entry gates around Albert Park. Extra services are typically scheduled during the event to help manage crowds. Anzac Station is the Metro Tunnel station closest to Albert Park.

If you need to catch a train, get off at Southern Cross Station or Flinders Street Station and then connect to a tram service.

More: Melbourne Metro Tunnel guide

Taxis and rideshares

Taxi ranks will be located at Gates 1 and 2 (on Canterbury Road), Gates 3 and 5 (on Albert Road), Gate 8 (on St Kilda Road) and Gate 10 (on Fitzroy Street). There will also be designated drop-off and pick-up locations for ride-sharing services at Gates 1, 2, 3 and 10.

Driving and parking

Driving directly to Albert Park is not recommended due to road closures and no public parking at the circuit. If you're travelling from interstate or regional Victoria, consider parking at a suburban train station or using park-and-ride options before continuing by public transport.

Cycling

If you'd prefer to park a little further away and avoid the chaos, you can also consider cycling to the event. There are dedicated bike lanes and paths around the circuit.

More: The must-know road rules for all bike riders in Victoria

What to expect from the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit

Albert Park is renowned for its fast straights, sweeping corners and scenic lakeside setting. The circuit spans just over five kilometres and is one of the flattest tracks on the F1 calendar, placing a strong emphasis on speed, braking and overtaking opportunities.

In recent years, track upgrades and layout refinements have improved racing conditions, resulting in closer competition and more on-track action. Spectators can expect thrilling race starts, high-speed overtakes and dramatic strategy calls as teams battle for early-season points.

Who is racing in the 2026 Australian Grand Prix?

While qualifying will determine the starting grid - not who will win the race - we still won’t know the full Grand Prix lineup until qualifying concludes. What we can count on is that some of the biggest names in Formula 1 are coming to Melbourne to compete for the race win and championship points.

Look out for current F1 World Champion Lando Norris, who competes for McLaren alongside Australian Oscar Piastri, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and Red Bull Racing's lead driver Max Verstappen, who has won four championships.

The Cadillac Formula 1 team is also set for its debut in this race.

Australian F1 tickets and seating options

Tickets for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix are typically released months in advance and often sell out months in advance, particularly for race day and premium seating areas. If want to buy a resale or secondary ticket, make sure you go through an authorised reseller to avoid ticket scalping.

Melbourne F1 ticket options include:

• General Admission - provides access to designated viewing areas around the circuit, including the grassy hill overlooking turns 1 and 2. Alternatively, there are some nice general admission spots on the far side of the lake – go for between turns 8-9 or 9-10 for a great view of the track and city skyline.
• Grandstands - reserved seats with clear views of key corners and straights. Opt for the Waite stand overlooking Turn 10 or the Brabham Grandstand on the outside of Turn 2 to watch cars jostling for position through the first chicane.
• Hospitality packages - often with premium views, food and beverage inclusions, and exclusive access areas.
• Rooftop platforms - some hotels and buildings located around the circuit offer rooftop viewing platforms that provide a unique perspective of the race.

If you're planning to attend multiple days, multi-day passes often provide better value and allow you to experience practice, qualifying and support races.

What else is on at the F1 besides the main race?

The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix is more than just a single race. Across the four days, visitors can enjoy a packed schedule of on-track and off-track entertainment.

Support races

The Grand Prix weekend typically features high-profile support categories, which may include Formula 2, Formula 3, Porsche Carrera Cup and other national or international racing series.

Entertainment and activities

Off the track, the precinct often hosts live music, fan zones, interactive displays and family-friendly activities. Merchandise stalls, food trucks and sponsor activations add to the festival atmosphere.

F1 The Exhibition

Head to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for the award-winning Formula 1® Exhibition: an immersive, seven-room deep dive into the world's fastest sport. See iconic F1 cars, helmets and race suits in person, watch over 100 interviews, and try the purpose-built racing simulator.

Plus, explore a special tribute to Australia's rich F1 legacy – the Aussie Drive room, open only in Melbourne. This room spotlights Australia’s impact on F1, celebrating the heroes, circuits and stories that defined our place on the grid from rising star Oscar Piastri to Aussie success stories Brabham and Jones.

All ages welcome. Open now until 19 April 2026.

RACV Members save on tickets to F1 The Exhibition. You can conveniently buy your tickets via the RACV App. 

Accessibility and family-friendly facilities at the F1

The Australian Grand Prix is designed to be accessible for a wide range of visitors. Accessible seating areas, viewing platforms and facilities are usually available throughout the circuit, and assistance services can be arranged in advance.

Families attending with children will find pram-friendly pathways, dedicated family zones and quieter areas away from the busiest sections of the track. Ear protection is recommended for younger spectators due to high noise levels.

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How loud is the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?

The Australian Grand Prix features F1 engines louder than a jet engine at take-off and well above the level that is considered safe for prolonged exposure. As a result, ear protection is highly recommended for spectators attending the event, especially for young children.

What to pack for the F1 race weekend

Melbourne's weather in March can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for changing conditions.

Essentials to pack include:

• sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• a refillable water bottle
• comfortable walking shoes
• weather-appropriate clothing, including a light jacket
  
• Rain jacket or poncho if wet weather is forecast
• hearing protection, particularly for children

Many areas of the circuit involve significant walking, so travelling light can make the day more comfortable.

Exploring Melbourne during the Grand Prix

If you're visiting from interstate or overseas, the Grand Prix is a great opportunity to explore Melbourne beyond the track.

Between race sessions, consider:

• dining at Melbourne's renowned cafes and restaurants
• exploring laneways, street art and shopping precincts
• visiting nearby attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens or the National Gallery of Victoria
• taking a day trip along the Great Ocean Road or into the Yarra Valley if time allows.

More: The best free things to do in Melbourne

Where to stay in Melbourne during the Grand Prix

Accommodation in Melbourne fills quickly during the Formula 1 weekend, so booking early is essential.

Popular areas to stay include:

• Melbourne CBD - easy tram access and proximity to dining and nightlife; RACV Members can stay at the RACV City Club, located less than 1km from both Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station.
• Southbank - close to the circuit and home to hotels, restaurants and the Yarra River precinct.
• St Kilda and Port Melbourne - within walking distance or a short tram ride from Albert Park.

Travellers looking to save on accommodation may also consider staying further out and commuting via Melbourne's public transport network.