There is a specific kind of electricity in the air that only the smell of tyre smoke and the high-pitched scream of a V6 turbo-hybrid engine can provide. If you have been feeling a bit of a void in your Sunday evenings lately, don’t panic, the wait is almost over. The 2026 Formula 1 season is fast approaching, and for those of us down under, we are still riding the high of Australia holding that coveted “Round 1” slot.
After the smashing success of the 2025 season opener at Albert Park, Melbourne has once again solidified its status as the rightful home for the start of the world’s most glamorous travelling circus.
When Does the Season Start?
You might want to warn your boss that you might be a little “under the weather” come mid-March. The 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix from 6–8 March.
Having the season opener in Melbourne isn’t just a win for local fans; it sets a completely different tone for the year. There is a unique chaos that comes with the first race, new liveries, fresh driver line-ups, and the introduction of new rules and completely different cars. With a massive 24-race calendar ahead of us, the 2026 season is a marathon, but the sprint starts right here in our backyard.
How to Watch F1 in Australia
Now, let’s talk logistics. Unless you were lucky enough to nab tickets to the paddock, you will be watching from the comfort of your lounge room. Here is the breakdown of how to catch every session:
- Foxtel and Kayo Sports: If you want the full “petrolhead” experience, these are your go-to options. They carry every single practice session, qualifying, and race live and in 4K. Kayo is particularly handy for those who prefer to stream on the go or catch up with their “Mini” highlights packages if the 3:00 AM European starts become too much to handle later in the year.
- Channel 10 and 10 Play: For those looking for a free-to-air fix, Channel 10 remains the home of the Australian Grand Prix. You can watch the big race at Albert Park live and free. However, for the rest of the international season, you will typically need a subscription service to see the lights go out.
Warm Up with Drive to Survive Season 8
If you simply cannot wait until March to get your fix of paddock drama, Netflix has your back. The latest season of the hit docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive is scheduled to drop on the 27th February, just as the pre-season hype reaches a fever pitch.
After the absolute rollercoaster that was the 2025 championship, including Lando Norris’s maiden title win and Oscar Piastri’s incredible rise. This season of Drive to Survive is set to be the juiciest one yet. It is the perfect appetiser to get you up to speed before the real-world action starts in Melbourne.
Why This Year is Different
This year feels particularly special for Australian fans. We aren’t just spectators; we have skin in the game. With Oscar Piastri now a established front-runner and the “home hero” factor stronger than ever, the roar of the crowd at Albert Park is going to be deafening.
Whether you are a seasoned fan who remembers the V10 era or a new convert who joined via Netflix, the upcoming season is shaping up to be an absolute classic. The technical gaps are closing, the driver market is always one rumour away from a meltdown, and it all starts right here in Australia.
