F1 Australian GP: Here’s When, Where and How to Watch Inaugural 2026 Race in India

The 2026 F1 season begins this weekend at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. This race serves as the first competitive trial for new Formula 1 technical regulations, which shift the sport toward increased electrical energy and sustainable fuels. While testing in Barcelona and Bahrain provided initial data on the power units, these sessions rarely reveal the full hierarchy. Melbourne will finally demonstrate how these machines perform under genuine race conditions where reliability and strategy are tested.

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Mercedes enters the opening round as the benchmark following a productive pre-season. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli recorded high mileage and consistent lap times, placing the team in a strong position. Ferrari appears in a strong position for 2026, with several notable innovations, including its upside-down rear wing design. The weekend will determine if the Italian team has provided Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton with a car capable of sustaining a title challenge.

Aston Martin faces reliability concerns after technical issues and vibrations with the Honda power unit limited its track time. Additionally, Cadillac makes its debut as the eleventh team on the grid. The American outfit faces a steep learning curve, focusing on mechanical stability during its first official Grand Prix appearance under the global spotlight.

Here are all the details on how and when to watch the 2026 F1 Australian Grand Prix in India.

F1 Australian GP: Indian Timings

Friday, March 06

Australian GP FP1 - 07:00 am - 08:00 am

Australian GP FP2 - 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Saturday, March 07

Australian GP FP3 - 07:00 am - 08:00 am

Australian GP Qualifying- 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Sunday, March 08

Australian GP Race - 09:30 am

F1 Australian GP: How to Watch in India

For fans in India looking to watch the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix live, there are two main streaming options: FanCode and F1 TV.

FanCode offers a budget-friendly way to follow the race with single-race weekend passes available on its iOS and Android app. In addition to race weekend passes, the platform also offers a full-season subscription for fans who want to follow the entire championship. FanCode’s F1 subscription plans range from Rs 99 to Rs 1,499, making it one of the more accessible options for watching Formula 1 in India.

For a more detailed viewing experience, F1 TV offers live race coverage along with features such as live timing data, expert analysis, onboard camera feeds and behind-the-scenes content. The F1 TV Premium service is aimed at dedicated Formula 1 fans who want deeper insights and full race weekend coverage throughout the season. F1 TV subscription prices in India range from Rs 1,840 to Rs 3,680, depending on the plan.