What makes the Australian Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Australian Grand Prix has been a key fixture on the Formula 1 calendar for decades, frequently kicking off a new season and setting the stage for fierce rivalries and championship battles to come.

First held in Adelaide in 1985 before being hosted in Melbourne from 1996, the race Down Under has produced many unforgettable moments – from victories on debut to multi-red-flag dramas.

Let's take a look at just some of the reasons Melbourne is so magical.

A highly anticipated season opener

There's something special about starting an F1 season with a trip Down Under. After weeks of winter work in Europe and pre-season testing, the first race of the year signals the moment the guesswork ends and facts become clearer.

No more debates about who has the pace, who might be sandbagging and who has work to do – this is the moment when the true competitive order starts to reveal itself for the first time.

The Australian Grand Prix means the off-season is truly over and racing is finally back! When the five red lights go out in Melbourne, the 22-driver grid – in new cars with new liveries – will charge towards Turn 1 and into the exciting unknown.

When is the 2027 Australian Grand Prix?

Details of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar will be announced in due course.

What happened at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix?

George Russell won an action-packed race, battling both Ferraris before leading home team mate Kimi Antonelli in a 1-2 finish for Mercedes. Check out the RACE HUB to catch up on news, reports and highlights from every session.

Why we love Albert Park Circuit

Albert Park knows a thing or two about action and adventure. Home to outstanding sporting events and facilities – with green spaces and city skyline views – when F1 rolls into town, the lakeside park and its public roads are temporarily transformed into a fast, flowing circuit with incredible atmosphere.

The 5.278km track evolves with every session, and drivers need to adapt but remain committed. There are fast straights, sweeping corners, rapid changes of direction and heavy braking zones that invite overtaking.

Melbourne’s changeable weather can also play a role, adding tension to strategy and tyre choice. The circuit rewards confidence and punishes mistakes, meaning it delivers plenty of drama.

The weekend schedule is full of action and there's plenty to look forward to every day, with F1 Free Practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix all supported by other categories. That means even more opportunities to see cars on track.

There’s fantastic live entertainment as some of music's biggest stars take to the stage at the Lakeside Festival and continue the party into the night.

During the day there's the stacked F1 Fanzone too, with activities, entertainment, and the chance to see F1 drivers and team representatives live on stage. Plus, the traditional ‘Melbourne Walk’ is a uniquely open way to try and meet the drivers as they enter the paddock.

The Australian Grand Prix always brings fresh storylines early in the season, with Melbourne's Albert Park delivering everything people love about Formula 1: speed, skill, and spectacle. It's a venue that's seen legendary moments, shock wins and season openers that set the tone for the year.

Memorable moments in Melbourne

Melbourne has served up some magical moments throughout the years since first hosting an F1 weekend in 1996.

We couldn’t possibly list them all, but here’s a selection to whet your appetite for more…

1996 – Martin Brundle’s Jordan flipped at Turn 3 on Lap 1. He climbed out, sprinted to the pits and restarted the race in the spare car. Damon Hill later won after Jacques Villeneuve slowed with an issue after leading for much of the race.

2002 – The season opened with a dramatic Turn 1 pile‑up that eliminated multiple cars when Ralf Schumacher’s Williams launched over Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari. Michael Schumacher won on the day, though home debutant Mark Webber taking fifth for Minardi had the Australian crowd roaring.

2009 – Brawn GP stunned the sport with an incredible 1-2 finish at their first F1 event. Jenson Button converted pole into victory with team mate Barrichello fighting back to take second – a result that set the tone for their remarkable title‑winning year.

2016 – Fernando Alonso walked away from a high‑speed crash that saw his McLaren barrel roll through the air after contact with Esteban Gutierrez’s Haas.

2017 – Sebastian Vettel beat Lewis Hamilton with a strategically well‑timed stop and clean air, delivering Ferrari’s first win since 2015 and re‑igniting a classic rivalry.

2023 – Three red flags, a late standing restart and a Safety Car finish saw Max Verstappen take victory ahead of Hamilton and Alonso in a race that saw hometown hero Oscar Piastri make his F1 debut.

2025 – Lando Norris won the season-opener from pole despite a late-race downpour, in a dramatic Grand Prix with mixed weather conditions that saw multiple crashes.

2026 – George Russell claimed victory ahead of team mate Kimi Antonelli after battling both Ferraris in an exciting first race of a new regulatory era.

How can I watch the Australian Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action in person. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).