Formula 1 start time in Australia: What time do qualifying and the Grand Prix start?

The Formula 1 convoy can take a break from the diptych in the Middle East before the circus Down He goes to the Australian Grand Prix. We've listed what you need to know for the third race weekend of 2024.

The 2024 Formula 1 season kicked off on Saturday 2 March with the Bahrain Grand Prix, followed by the Saudi Grand Prix seven days later. Max Verstappen crossed the finish line twice in the Middle East, with teammate Sergio Perez taking silver. This means that Red Bull Racing has had an excellent start to the new season and that last year's trend continues. However, the Austrian superpower faces a new challenge in Australia.

Albert Park Street Circuit

The Australian Grand Prix is ​​held at Albert Park, a fast semi-street circuit located in Melbourne, where the walls are never far away. At the start of the weekend, the track is often a bit slippery, but grip increases as more rubber is put on the asphalt. It is also one of the fastest circuits on the calendar. For example, Lewis Hamilton took first place in 2019 with an average speed of 235 kilometers per hour. The circuit has fourteen turns and covers more than 5.278 kilometers of asphalt for drivers. Therefore, the race takes place over 58 laps.

Australian Grand Prix schedule

In Melbourne, it's ten hours later than in the Netherlands, which means the schedule here is significantly different from what we know from most races. The first free practice will be held on Friday, March 22 at 2:30 AM, after which the second practice session will be at 6:00 AM. The third and final free practice will begin on Saturday, March 23 at 2:30 a.m., with qualifying on Saturday at 6:00 a.m. The Australian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday 24 March at 5:00am.

Schedule overview

Friday 22 March

2:30 AM: First free practice

06:00: Second free practice

Saturday 23 March

02:30: Third free practice

06:00: Eligible

Sunday 24 March

05:00: Australian Grand Prix

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