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Krishi Chowdhary

How to watch Australian Grand Prix 2026 F1: free stream, preview, schedule, Practice

Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 05, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.
  • Australian GP (6-8 March)
  • Saturday's qualifying: 5:00 am GMT / 12:00 am ET
  • Sunday's race: 4:00 am GMT / 11:00 pm ET (Sat.)
  • Free stream: 10Play (AUS) / Servus TV (AUT)
  • Stream safely and securely with Surfshark VPN (7-days free)

Watch Australian Grand Prix 2026 live streams as a new era for Formula 1 begins at Albert Park, Melbourne, with the sport's most transformative season in years also starting with a first-time defending champion in the form of McLaren's Lando Norris.

The season opener is the first chance to see how major rule changes designed to improve wheel-to-wheel racing – such as smaller, lighter cars and Overtake Mode replacing DRS – affect drivers and cars alike on a circuit that features several long straights and high-speed corners. The build-up has also been complicated by significant travel disruptions affecting flights out of the Middle East, with some crew reportedly enduring journeys lasting 45 to 60 hours.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped First Practice ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton but all Australian eyes will be on Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri – Norris' McLaren teammate – who has his own grandstand for 2026. Aston Martin woes continue thanks to their 'vibration issue'. Practice 2 is coming up at 5am GMT.

This weekend will also mark several firsts. American car manufacturer Cadillac will make its Formula 1 debut, expanding the grid to 22 cars. Meanwhile, German manufacturer Audi officially enters the championship after taking over the Sauber team. Oh, and the paddock will see one newcomer: 18-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad, who will race for Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls.

Here’s how to watch the Australian Grand Prix 2026 online from anywhere and potentially for FREE.

Australian Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

Practice 1: Friday, March 6 | 1:30am GMT / 8:30pm ET (Thu.) – Leclerc fastest
Practice 2: Friday, March 6 | 5am GMT / 12am ET
Practice 3: Saturday, March 7 | 1:30am GMT / 8:30pm ET (Fri.)
Qualifying: Saturday, March 7 | 5am GMT / 12am ET
Australian Grand Prix: Sunday, March 8 | 4am GMT / 11pm ET (Sat.)

How to watch the Australian Grand Prix 2026 for FREE

The 2026 Australian Grand Prix isn't available for free in every country. However, in these select destinations lucky F1 fans can catch Practice 2, Qualifying and the entire race/highlights for FREE.

  • Australia – 10Play (free live broadcast)
  • Austria – Servus TV  (free live broadcast)
  • Belgium – RTBF Auvio (free live broadcast)
  • Canada – CTV (free highlights)
  • Luxembourg – RTL Zwee (free live broadcast)
  • UK – Channel 4 (free highlights)
  • US Apple TV (free trial) (free live broadcast of every Practice session)

Traveling abroad during the 2026 Australian Grand Prix? You can use a VPN to watch all the action free of charge as if you were right at home.

How to watch the Australian Grand Prix 2026 from anywhere

🌎 ABROAD? The Australian Grand Prix 2026 is broadcast in many countries around the world but if you're traveling outside your country you should consider using one of the best VPNs to unlock your domestic streaming service provided it does not infringe any terms and conditions.

How to watch the Australian Grand Prix 2026 in the US

How to watch the Australian GP 2026 in the UK

How to watch the Australian Grand Prix 2026 in Australia

How to watch the Australian Grand Prix 2026 in Canada

(Image credit: Other)

Australian Grand Prix 2026 Preview

Formula 1 2026 schedule

  • 6-8 March: Australia
  • 13-15 March: China
  • 27-29 March: Japan
  • 10-12 April: Bahrain
  • 17-19 April: Saudi Arabia
  • 1-3 May: Miami
  • 22-24 May: Canada
  • 5-7 June: Monaco
  • 12-14 June: Barcelona
  • 26-28 June: Austria
  • 3-5 July: Great Britain
  • 17-19 July: Belgium
  • 24-26 July: Hungary
  • 21-23 August: Netherlands
  • 4-6 September: Italy
  • 11-13 September: Madrid
  • 24-26 September: Azerbaijan
  • 9-11 October: Singapore
  • 23-25 October: USA
  • 30 October–1 November: Mexico
  • 6-8 November: Brazil
  • 19-21 November: Las Vegas
  • 27-29 November: Qatar
  • 4-6 December: Abu Dhabi

F1 driver lineup (2026 season)

McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton

Williams: Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon

Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll

Haas: Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman

Audi: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto

Cadillac: Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas

Our full guide to the F1 2026 drivers – from rookies to regulars

F1 fans may also enjoy...

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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