Source :- THE AGE NEWS
The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend starts on Thursday and reaches its crescendo with the race on Sunday afternoon.
It’s the first round of the F1 season in 2026, but the event is so much more than just a car race; it’s a sport, music and entertainment extravaganza. Check out our guide to get the most out of your ticket at this year’s grand prix at Albert Park.
F1 driver Oscar Piastri meets fans at the Melbourne Walk in 2025.Credit: Eddie Jim
Leave early, plan ahead
The trams will be packed and the lines into Albert Park can build up fast, so give yourself plenty of time to get to the track and be prepared to wait to enter.
Public transport is still your best bet for travelling to the track (despite the maintenance works on the Belgrave, Lilydale and Alamein train lines across the weekend) as the road closures around Albert Park make driving frustrating.
For those with access to the new Metro Tunnel stations, Anzac Station could provide an easy route to the venue, especially as there is now a 120-metre pedestrian underpass from St Kilda Road to Albert Road Reserve and Albert Park. You won’t need your myki to access it, either.
Regular fans will also remind you to bring a good hat, sunscreen, a drink bottle and a jumper or jacket just in case the weather turns chilly late in the day. Comfy shoes are a good call, given the course usually requires a bit of walking to take in different areas.
Also keep an eye out for water taps with short lines to fill up your water bottle as those queues get long at peak times. Melbourne’s famous weather will bounce around, but it’s not uncommon for conditions to get hot.
Save the track map and daily schedule to your phone, as Wi-Fi reception can become weak at busy times. Taking snacks with you can also allow you to hold down a prime viewing perch, instead of losing it when going to buy food.
F1 fans keeping cool at Albert Park.Credit: Eddie Jim
Tickets
If you haven’t got yours already, you’ve left your run very late.
At the time of writing, there were still a few “Park Passes” (general admission tickets) for Thursday and Friday available, but all other tickets were sold out or down to the last couple, including the three-day (Friday to Sunday) “T8 Lakeside gold” tickets for $5195, which include hospitality and other perks.
The F1 cars won’t hit the track on Thursday, but there’s still the chance to hear from the drivers during the fan forum and have a grand prix experience without the crush of fans on race day.
The grandstands generally aren’t ticketed on this day – just Friday to Sunday – so you can roam around and check out different viewing areas to make informed purchases in future years.
Shade can be difficult to find, especially around the general admission viewing areas. But organisers have added more shaded areas for this year’s event.
Organisers have also warned fans to avoid buying GP tickets from fraudulent websites and online scams after a number of scam tickets were sold to unsuspecting fans.
The best spots to watch the race
Melbourne-based F1 content creator Danii Clarkson loves the view from the Brabham Stand.
“I love the Brabham Stand, it’s right on the first two corners, you always get exciting action there, and it has lots of food and drink options right outside,” Clarkson said.
For those who are in the general admission areas, Clarkson recommends two spots, including the back straight where cars reach high speeds.
“The area right next to Brabham, located on the straight after turn two – that is my personal favourite spot,” Clarkson said.
“Also, along the back straight, around turn nine – that viewing mound/hill is a great spot.”
The main attractions
Whether you have a Park Pass or one of the more expensive grandstand or hospitality tickets, you will get access to watch the car racing: Formulas 1-3, Supercars and others. You’ll also have access to the musical acts at the Lakeside Festival, the chance to see drivers up close on the Melbourne Walk, plus all the food trucks, fan experiences and other stalls and interactives.
Keep an eye on the daily schedule for on-stage interviews with various F1 stars and talking heads while the racing in the non-F1 events can be pretty spectacular too, especially the Australian and New Zealand drivers fighting it out in the Supercars.
Iconic restaurant Chin Chin will have a pop-up venue at the track, although it will likely be filled and require pre-booking to land a table.
Tips for new visitors, Park Pass holders
Clarkson recommends new visitors and Park Pass holders to explore the whole Albert Park course and all the activities, while making a stop on Thursday or Friday could provide priceless planning information.
“Walk around, see what you find and enjoy every moment,” Clarkson said.
“The easiest way to navigate is to use the Australian GP map and take a look at their precincts.
“There are four that make up Albert Park, and each offers different things.
“The No.1 Park Pass tip is to use Thursday and Friday to try the different viewing areas, so you know where you want to watch the race and can head straight there on Sunday.”
The sprint to the Melbourne Walk
The walk is a celebrated part of the Albert Park track that has been emulated by other races. But don’t let the name fool you.
Each day when gates open, fans will sprint without any care for human life towards the Melbourne Walk in hopes of nailing down a prime fence position to try and score a selfie or autograph from their favourite driver.
It can be just as willing as the first turn of the race, so take care and remember that your odds of snaring a moment with the likes of Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri or Lewis Hamilton are as likely as this reporter winning the grand prix in his old Toyota Corolla.
The music
Just like for the Australian Open tennis, grand prix organisers realised they have the perfect setting for a music festival.
They will run the Lakeside Festival, with two acts performing each day.
Rita Ora will perform at the Australian Grand Prix.Credit: Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 via Getty Images
Thursday will be headlined by Australian act Mallrat. Friday will feature international superstar Rita Ora and local favourites Rogue Traders. Dance act Basement Jaxx will lead the weekend off on Saturday and the Grammy-nominated Duke Dumont will end it on Sunday.
That signature V10 “scream”
Keep an ear out for the demonstration runs from the 2001 Jaguar-Cosworth R2 V10 car, which features the kind of signature F1 engine used from 1989 to 2005. It’s recognisable for its “high-pitched scream” as it hits full power.
That Jaguar is scheduled to hit the track on Thursday and Friday.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
