The 2026 Formula 1 season officially begins with the Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the championship to be held at the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne from March 6 to 8 at different times.
As usual in this inaugural race, the great time difference with America forces fans to follow the first sessions during the early morning hours in the United States or at night in Mexico. The first two free practices (FP1 and FP2) mark the on-track debut of the new single-seaters for the 2026 season, a year that comes with important technical changes and new expectations for the teams. For Hispanic fans living in the United States or Mexico, here’s what time to watch the first sessions and where to follow them live.
What time is the first free practice for F1 in Australia 2026?
Practice is on Friday in Melbourne, but due to the time difference it will be held on Thursday in America.
Free Practice 1 (FP1)
United States (ET): Thursday, March 5 – 9:30 p.m.
United States (CT): Thursday – 8:30 p.m.
United States (PT): Thursday – 6:30 p.m.
Mexico (Central Time): Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
This first session is for the teams to test aerodynamic configurations, tires and overall performance of the cars after the preseason.
Free Practice 2 (FP2)
United States (ET): Friday, March 6 – 1:00 a.m.
United States (CT): Friday – 12:00 a.m.
United States (PT): Thursday – 10:00 p.m.
Mexico (Central Time): Thursday – 11:00 p.m.
The second practice is usually key because it takes place in conditions closer to those that will be present during qualifying and the race (Filed under: Formula 1 Australia 2026 Timetable).
The practice sessions take place on Friday in Melbourne
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How to watch Formula 1 2026 in the United States
Starting in 2026, Formula 1 changed its broadcasting in the United States.
Apple TV now has exclusive broadcast rights, offering all race weekend sessions: practice, qualifying and Grand Prix.
Fans can watch:
Free practice
Qualifying
Race
Onboard cameras and multiple angles
Some practices will even be available for free within the platform, while the rest of the content requires a subscription.
In Mexico, Formula 1 continues to be broadcasted mainly through:
FOX Sports (pay TV)
F1 TV (official streaming service)
These platforms allow you to follow all the sessions of the weekend, including the free practices of the Australian Grand Prix (Filed under: Timetable Formula 1 Australia 2026).
A season start full of changes in Formula 1
The 2026 campaign kicks off with one of the biggest technical transformations in recent Formula 1 history.
The new single-seaters are lighter, with active aerodynamics and more electrification in the power units, promising more competitive racing.
In addition, the championship will feature 24 races throughout the year, starting in Melbourne and traveling across five continents.
Therefore, the first practices of the Australian Grand Prix are the first real look at the performance of each team and could give clues as to who will dominate the start of the season.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
