The opening race of the Formula 1 season takes place this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.
UK viewers will need an early start, with the race scheduled to begin at 4:00am GMT on Sunday morning.
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The start time reflects the significant time difference between the United Kingdom and Australia, where the race will begin locally at 3:00pm AEDT on Sunday afternoon.
When does the Australian Grand Prix start?
For fans in the United States, the race is set to start at 11:00pm Eastern Time on Saturday, 8:00pm Pacific Time, and 10:00pm Central Time.
The Melbourne race traditionally opens the Formula 1 campaign and remains one of the most recognisable events on the calendar.
Drivers will complete 58 laps of the 5.278 kilometre Albert Park layout, with teams facing the challenge of a temporary street circuit that combines high speed sections with tight corners.
Where to watch Australian Grand Prix in the UK
Coverage in the UK will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with build up programming beginning several hours before the race start.
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Subscribers can also stream the event through the Sky Go and NOW platforms.
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Radio commentary for UK listeners will be available through BBC Radio 5 Live, which continues to provide live coverage throughout the season.
In the United States, the race will be shown live on ESPN, which holds the American broadcast rights for Formula 1.
Fans can also watch through the ESPN app and participating streaming providers that carry the channel.
All about the Australian Grand Prix 2026
The Australian Grand Prix often produces unpredictable racing due to evolving track conditions across the weekend.
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The circuit surface typically improves as more rubber is laid down, which can influence grip levels and tyre performance during the race.
Teams will therefore pay close attention to strategy calls as the opening round of the season unfolds in Melbourne.
The race marks the first opportunity for teams and drivers to measure their competitiveness under full Grand Prix conditions in 2026.
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