With the 2025 Formula 1 race calendar and ticket prices soon to be revealed, the Australian Grand Prix—home event to McLaren driver Oscar Piastri—is preparing a significant change in its ticketing approach. Organizers have announced that starting with the 2026 season, the event will eliminate the controversial demand-based pricing system that has drawn criticism from fans over the years.
According to a report by Speedcafe, all tickets for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix will be sold at fixed prices rather than fluctuating based on demand. This shift aims to make the race more accessible and address grievances from the F1 community. An official spokesperson for the Australian Grand Prix confirmed:
“We can share that demand-based pricing will not be utilised for 2026. All ticket prices are set and as listed on our website.” —Australian Grand Prix Spokesperson
The Australian event, held at Albert Park in Melbourne and traditionally the season opener, drew a crowd of 465,498 fans for its 2025 edition. With ticket pricing now fixed, organizers anticipate further growth in attendance, building on the race’s reputation as a popular fixture on the F1 calendar.
Ticket sales for the 2026 race are scheduled to begin on September 10, allowing fans to secure entry under the new pricing model well in advance.
Oscar Piastri to Feature His Own Grandstand at Melbourne
Adding to the excitement around the Australian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri recently revealed he will have a dedicated grandstand for fans during the 2026 race. The McLaren driver, who at 24 is currently the only Australian competing in Formula 1, shared the news in a video posted on his social media channels.
Set on the pit straight, the grandstand will provide spectators with views of Piastri not only on the track but also as he prepares in the garage area. Speaking directly to his supporters, he said:
“Hey everyone, I’ve got some very good news that I’d like to share with you all. Next year, at the Melbourne Grand Prix, I will be having my own Grandstand, which is pretty surreal. It still feels weird racing at home, but I’m still like at the level when I was a kid, the cars going round the track, me being one of the cars. You know what I’m saying. Yeah, very very cool, and very special to have my own Grandstand.” —Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
“I’ll be on the pit straight and you should be able to see me in the garage and Grandstand. So that’ll be really cool, see you all in support, and there are some merch as well. There’s some bonus goodies in there for you. But yeah, had to share that, and really excited to have my own Grandstand. So thanks to everyone behind the scenes that’s worked on this, and all logistics involved, and thanks to everyone’s work in putting that together, and I can’t wait to see you all there in March. So, there you go, good news,” he concluded. —Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
This honor mirrors the support given to his teammate Lando Norris during the British Grand Prix, where Norris enjoyed backing from two grandstands allocated in his name, contributing to his home victory at Silverstone.
Significance of These Changes for Piastri and the Australian GP
For Oscar Piastri, who has yet to reach the podium in his three home races, these developments mark a commitment to boosting his profile with local fans and enhancing their experience at Albert Park. The fixed ticket pricing may encourage more supporters to attend, creating a stronger atmosphere around his home rounds.
Removing demand-based pricing is likely to be welcomed by many followers of the sport who have long voiced frustration over fluctuating ticket costs. This change positions the Australian Grand Prix as a fan-friendly event that values accessibility without sacrificing its status on the global F1 calendar.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Melbourne—not only to see how Piastri performs in front of a passionate home crowd but also to witness whether these new ticketing measures translate into larger attendance and a more vibrant race atmosphere.
