2026 Formula 1 Season: How to Watch and Key Dates

The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to begin with the Australian Grand Prix, marking a new era for the sport. Fans will have multiple avenues to follow the action, from live race coverage to in-depth analysis. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how and when to tune in.

Where to Watch and Listen

Comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Formula 1 season will be available across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app. Fans can also access coverage through most smart speakers by simply requesting “play BBC Radio 5 Live.”

The Chequered Flag Podcast

For detailed analysis and insights, the Chequered Flag podcast offers expert commentary on every race, delving into strategies and key players. The podcast features insights from F1 stars like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, as well as team bosses from Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. Post-race shows for every Grand Prix will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and YouTube for the first time this year.

Australian Grand Prix Schedule

The Australian Grand Prix kicks off the season with a packed schedule:

• Friday, March 13th: First practice (03:30-04:30 GMT) – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers. Sprint qualifying (07:30-08:14 GMT) – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers
• Saturday, March 14th: Sprint (03:00-04:00 GMT) – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers; Qualifying (07:00-08:00 GMT) – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers
• Sunday, March 15th: Race (07:00 GMT) – BBC Radio 5 Live coverage from 06:30, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers

Recent Podcast Episodes

Recent episodes of the Chequered Flag podcast include:

• 2026: Australian GP Recap: Statement Russell Win To Kick-Start F1’s New Era (30 mins)
• 2026: F1 2026 Preview: New Rules & a Four-Way Title Fight? (59 mins)

Available Episodes

As of March 11, 2026, a total of 37 episodes of the Chequered Flag podcast are available. Episodes are updated weekly and remain available for 30 days. Download options are available in higher (128kbps) and lower (64kbps) quality.