History of the Australian Grand Prix | F1 at Albert Park

The Australian Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated events on the Formula 1 calendar and a highlight of the Australian sporting year. Held at Albert Park in Melbourne since 1996, the race has served as the season opener for much of its modern history — including in 2026, when George Russell and Mercedes dominated under F1's brand-new technical regulations.

The Australian Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated events on the Formula 1 calendar and a highlight of the Australian sporting year. Held at Albert Park in Melbourne since 1996, the race has served as the season opener for much of its modern history — including in 2026, when George Russell and Mercedes dominated under F1’s brand-new technical regulations.

For Australian punters, the home Grand Prix is the biggest F1 betting event of the year. Outright race winner, podium finish, fastest lap and head-to-head markets all attract significant interest. Below, we look at the history of the Australian Grand Prix, recent results, the future of the race at Albert Park, and how to bet on F1’s showpiece event in Australia.

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Australian Grand Prix 2026: Russell’s New-Era Triumph

The 2026 Australian Grand Prix on 8 March made history as the first race under Formula 1’s radical new technical regulations. George Russell led Mercedes to a dominant 1-2 finish at Albert Park, winning by 2.9 seconds from team-mate Kimi Antonelli, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium for Ferrari.

The race was dramatic from the opening lap, with Russell and Leclerc trading the lead six times in the first nine laps before a Ferrari strategy error allowed Russell to pull clear. The new regulations — featuring redesigned cars and advanced sustainable fuels — shook up the competitive order, with Mercedes emerging as the team to beat in the early rounds.

The biggest story for Australian fans was the heartbreak of home hero Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver, who had qualified fifth, crashed on the way to the grid after a power unit issue caused unexpected wheelspin exiting Turn 4. Piastri was unable to take the start of his home race — a devastating moment that he later described as one he’d “try to forget”.

A Brief History of the Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix has been part of the Formula 1 World Championship since 1985, when it was first held on the streets of Adelaide. The race remained in South Australia until 1995, with some of the sport’s most memorable moments — including Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost’s fierce rivalry and Nigel Mansell’s famous 1986 tyre blowout that cost him the championship on the final lap.

In 1996, the race moved to Albert Park in Melbourne, where it has been held ever since (with the exception of 2020 and 2021, when COVID-19 forced cancellations). The Melbourne circuit — a semi-permanent track around Albert Park Lake, just south of the city centre — quickly became a fan favourite for its parkland setting and accessible layout.

The circuit underwent a significant redesign in 2022, with several corners modified to increase overtaking opportunities and improve the racing spectacle. The changes were widely praised, producing closer racing and more dramatic finishes.

The popularity of Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series, which premiered in 2019, has turbo-charged interest in Formula 1 across Australia. The show brought a new generation of fans to the sport, and Melbourne’s Grand Prix attendance figures have surged as a result — with crowds regularly exceeding 400,000 across the race weekend in recent years. This increased interest has also driven a boom in F1 betting in Australia, with more punters than ever wagering on race outcomes, championship markets and head-to-head matchups.

The Future: Albert Park Through to 2035

Melbourne’s contract to host the Australian Grand Prix runs through to at least 2035, securing the race’s long-term future at Albert Park. As part of the contract extension agreed with F1 rights holders Liberty Media, the circuit is undergoing a massive $395 million redevelopment of its pit building and facilities.

For the 2027 race, teams will use all-new garages and a temporary hospitality facility for 2,500 guests while the full rebuild continues. The completed pit building — featuring hospitality for 5,000 people, 14 garages and state-of-the-art facilities — is expected to be ready for the 2028 Australian Grand Prix.

The investment underscores just how important the Australian Grand Prix is to both Melbourne and Formula 1. For punters, it means the race is locked in as a season-opening betting event for years to come. “F1 Melbourne 2027” is already generating significant search interest, with early betting markets expected to open in late 2026.

Australian Grand Prix Winners (2015-2026)

Mercedes have been the most successful team at Albert Park in the modern era with multiple victories. No Australian has won the Australian Grand Prix in the F1 era — Oscar Piastri and the emerging generation of Australian drivers continue to chase that milestone. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia’s most successful modern F1 driver, scored several podiums at Albert Park but never a victory at his home race.

Betting on the Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix generates more F1 betting interest than any other race for Australian punters. Markets are available well in advance and include:

Australian Grand Prix betting tips: Grid position matters enormously at Albert Park. Historically, the pole-sitter wins more than 50% of the time. Always check qualifying results before placing your race-day bets. The season opener also tends to produce surprises — new regulations (like 2022 and 2026) can reshuffle the competitive order, creating value in the outright markets. Look for strong practice and qualifying form rather than relying on previous season results.

For the best bookmakers for F1 betting, our recommended options are Picklebet, Dabble, Neds, Ladbrokes and bet365. For more on all motorsport betting markets, visit our motorsport betting hub.

Australian Grand Prix FAQs

Will the Australian Grand Prix be held in 2027?

Yes — the Australian Grand Prix is contracted to be held at Albert Park in Melbourne through to at least 2035. The 2027 race will feature new garages as part of the $395 million pit building redevelopment. The full new facilities will be ready for the 2028 race.

Who won the 2026 Australian Grand Prix?

George Russell won the 2026 Australian Grand Prix for Mercedes, leading a 1-2 finish ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli. Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari. It was the first race under F1’s new technical regulations.

Has an Australian ever won the Australian Grand Prix?

No Australian has won the Australian Grand Prix in the Formula 1 era. Daniel Ricciardo came closest with several podium finishes. Oscar Piastri represents the best current hope for a home winner, though his 2026 race ended before it started with a grid crash.

When did the Australian Grand Prix move to Melbourne?

The Australian Grand Prix moved from Adelaide to Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit in 1996. The race had been held on the streets of Adelaide from 1985 to 1995.

Can I bet on the Australian Grand Prix?

Yes — all major Australian bookmakers offer extensive betting markets for the Australian Grand Prix, including race winner, podium finish, pole position, fastest lap and head-to-head driver matchups. Markets open well before race weekend.

For more F1 and motorsport betting tips, visit our motorsport hub. Read our Formula 1 betting guide for a complete breakdown of F1 markets. For the best betting sites, check our betting sites guide.

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