The Month Ahead: March

There’s plenty happening in March, get ready for the start of a new season

Published

01 MAR 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

The month of March brings with it the dawn of a new era in Formula 1. New regulations mean more eyes will be on Melbourne than ever before as the 2026 season gets underway – but that’s just the beginning.

From season-opening showdowns to Sprint action and an Academy debut, there’s plenty to look out for over the next 31 days.

02-08 March – Atlassian Williams F1 Team Fan Zone presented by Kraken

We’re kicking off the season in the heart of the city with the return of our Fan Zone presented by Kraken at The Atrium in Fed Square from 02–08 March.

Across seven days and more than 60 hours of live experiences, fans can hear from Alex Albon, James Vowles, Luke Browning and Damon Hill in exclusive Q&As, get up close to a FW48 showcar, test their reflexes and racing skills on interactive challenges and simulators, step into the Krak App Zone for prizes, and shop the brand-new 2026 official New Era merchandise – including a limited-edition Melbourne tee.

It’s the ultimate way to start the 2026 season before we go racing at Albert Park. Plus we’ll have a London Pop-Up open back in the UK from 05-08 March. Click here for more details.

06-08 March – Australian Grand Prix

There was a dramatic start in Melbourne last year, what will 2026 have in store?

Lights out. We’re back racing.

Melbourne hosts the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season, and for Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, it’s the first opportunity to put our new package through its paces in competitive conditions. With a fresh set of regulations shaking up the grid, the opening weekend is set to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.

It’s a busy bill Down Under too, with Formula 2 and Formula 3 providing support across the weekend. For Williams F1 Team Driver Academy member Alessandro Giusti, it marks the start of his sophomore year in F3 – another big step in his development as he looks to build on last season’s solid foundations.

13-15 March – Chinese Grand Prix

Shanghai hosts the first Sprint event of the year

From Melbourne we head straight to Shanghai for the first Sprint weekend of the year.

It’s also the opening round of the F1 Academy season, where Academy driver Jade Jacquet will make her debut in the series. A new challenge, a new stage, and a big moment in her young career – we can’t wait to see her get started.

23 March – Alex Albon’s 30th Birthday

Get ready to wish Albono a Happ Birthday

March 23 is a milestone moment as Alex turns 30.

It’s shaping up to be a big year for Alex, with plenty of significant milestones still to come – but first, it’s time to say goodbye to his twenties. It’s something we all have to do eventually, Albono… embrace it!

27-29 March – Japanese Grand Prix

We'll be back in Suzuka in Sakura season

A firm favourite rounds out a relentless opening month.

Suzuka’s flowing, high-speed layout is one of the ultimate tests for drivers and machinery alike, and it provides the perfect backdrop to conclude the first three fly away races of the season.

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The Month Ahead: March

There’s plenty happening in March, get ready for the start of a new season

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