The 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is set to begin from March 6 to 8 at Albert Park, marking the official start of the 2026 racing season. This year promises an intense and transformative experience as new technical regulations introduce lighter, more agile cars powered by advanced sustainable fuels, shaking up the competition and offering fans an uncertain and thrilling season ahead.
With renewed hope surrounding home talent, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is in the spotlight, eager to secure his first-ever victory on home soil amid fierce competition from new and returning teams.
Significant Changes: New Teams and Drivers Enter the Grid
The 2026 season features a notable expansion in the competition field, highlighted by Cadillac’s debut and Audi’s return as a manufacturer. Cadillac brings experienced drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to the grid, while Audi will be represented by Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, former racers from the Kick Sauber team. These entries inject fresh dynamics into the Australian Grand Prix, raising anticipation about how established and new competitors will adapt to the revamped racing environment.
Event Schedule for the Australian Grand Prix Weekend
The Australian Grand Prix weekend follows the traditional format with practice sessions kicking off on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the main race on Sunday. This event is not a Sprint weekend, maintaining the classic schedule.
Friday, March 6
9:25 AM (GMT+8): Practice One
12:55 PM (GMT+8): Practice Two
2:15 PM (GMT+8): The F1 Show
Saturday, March 7
9:25 AM (GMT+8): Practice Three
12:15 PM (GMT+8): Qualifying Pre-Show
12:55 PM (GMT+8): Qualifying
2:00 PM (GMT+8): Qualifying Post-Show
3:00 PM (GMT+8): Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, March 8
10:30 AM (GMT+8): Grand Prix Sunday Build-Up
11:55 AM (GMT+8): Main Race
2:00 PM (GMT+8): Chequered Flag
3:00 PM (GMT+8): Ted’s Notebook
How to Access Live Coverage via beIN SPORTS CONNECT
beIN SPORTS holds exclusive broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Fans within these regions can watch every thrilling moment of the Australian Grand Prix live and in HD through beIN SPORTS CONNECT, the official streaming platform. The service guarantees uninterrupted coverage without interruptions caused by copyright issues.
Two subscription options are available to suit different viewer preferences:
- Monthly Plan: Offers flexible, recurring monthly access allowing users to explore the platform and content with ease before committing long term.
- Yearly Plan: Provides a full calendar year subscription at a discounted rate, perfect for dedicated fans wanting complete access to all Formula 1 content throughout the season.
Additionally, beIN SPORTS CONNECT features a Free Preview option that grants 3 minutes of full content access every 24 hours. This allows viewers to familiarize themselves with the app’s interface and streaming quality at no cost before subscribing.
Subscriptions can be managed directly through the beIN SPORTS CONNECT website or its app on various devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Existing Subscribers and Local Provider Access
Residents in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong subscribed to local pay-TV providers may already have access to beIN SPORTS and Formula 1 broadcasts. Providers such as StarHub, Singtel, Astro, Unifi TV, TrueVisions, MNC Vision, K Vision, Vision+, Vidio, and Now TV offer packages that include live and delayed Formula 1 coverage on television.
Subscribers to these packages often receive complimentary access to beIN SPORTS CONNECT, allowing them to watch Formula 1 live streams and on-demand content through the platform.
Viewers are encouraged to confirm with their local operators for specific sports package availability that includes beIN SPORTS.
Country-Specific Viewing Information
For fans in Singapore, subscribing to Sports Plus on Singtel for as low as SGD 0.68 per day or Sport+ on StarHub starting at SGD 25.46 per month provides access to Formula 1 on beIN SPORTS.
In Malaysia, the Astro One Sports Pack is available at RM 69.99 per month until April 30, 2026. Sooka offers a Sports & Entertainment Plan for RM 29.60 per month, while Unifi TV’s Sports Pack, with a promo price of RM 21 per month until March 31, includes beIN SPORTS and streaming via the CONNECT app.
Thai viewers can subscribe to the beIN SPORTS package on the TrueVisions Now app for 499 baht per month, which covers every Formula 1 race and qualifying session.
In the Philippines, fans can stream events live on beIN SPORTS CONNECT or gather with fellow enthusiasts at popular viewing locations such as Monza Barcade, Mercedes-Benz Greenhills, and New World Makati Hotel.
Customer Support and Additional Resources
For inquiries or support regarding beIN SPORTS services in the Asia region, viewers can contact the customer service team via email at [email protected].
beIN SPORTS also encourages users to download their dedicated apps to enhance viewing flexibility and enjoy live Formula 1 content across preferred devices.
Anticipating the Season Ahead
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix not only resumes the excitement following the off-season break but also introduces significant shifts in the sport’s technical and competitive landscape. As teams and drivers adjust to the new cars and regulations, the race at Albert Park will be pivotal in setting the tone for what fans hope will be an exhilarating and unpredictable Formula 1 season.
