ROUND 1 PREVIEW: 2026 Formula 2 season begins in Melbourne

The waiting is over and we are set to go racing for the first time in 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. The Albert Park street circuit provides a unique challenge and opportunity for teams and drivers to lay down an early marker in what is sure to be a thrilling season.

Ahead of the action getting underway, here’s all you need to know.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A firm favourite amongst the drivers, Melbourne’s season-opening round is sure to provide plenty of drama to kick off the new 2026 campaign.

Free Practice gets things underway on Friday morning at 10:00 local time before the first Qualifying session of the season concludes the day’s F2 action, beginning at 14:55.

The first race of the year starts at 14:10 on Saturday, with the Sprint Race the first opportunity for drivers to go wheel-to-wheel this season.

Sunday’s Feature Race could set the tone for the early phase of the season, with lights out scheduled for 11:25 Melbourne time.

STAT PACK

• Alexander Dunne is the highest-placed returning driver from the 2025 season, the Rodin Motorsport driver finished P5 last year.
• There are four DRS zones around the lap of Albert Park, between the final and first corner, Turns 2 and 3, 8 and 9 and finally 10 and 11.
• There is a 100% record of Safety Car appearances in F2 races around Melbourne since the inaugural race back in 2023.
• Dennis Hauger holds the lap record for F2 around Albert Park, his 1:28.694 set back in 2024.
• Melbourne will mark the first race in Formula 2's 10th season

FROM THE GRID – Rafael Câmara, Invicta Racing

“Melbourne is nice, you feel like it’s not really a street circuit but you’re close to the walls and then in some places you have gravel and grass. It’s not the highest grip and you have to be careful on the brakes, but I really enjoy driving here.

“It’s not an easy track to overtake around but the DRS zone into Turn 10 is the best place. The lack of grip is the toughest part, so you have to be careful.”

TECHNICAL PREVIEW

Pierre-Alain Michot, FIA Formula 2 Technical Director

“We start the 2026 season in Melbourne once again for what I’m sure will be another exciting season of Formula 2 racing.

“The Albert Park Circuit has provided lots of action in recent years and is a great place to begin the campaign once again.

“With a sweeping and relatively fast layout, downforce and tyre wear have a greater impact on laptimes, while limited number of major braking zones aren’t as demanding as others the drivers will face this season.

“Overall, the four DRS zones should ensure drivers remain tightly bunched together but pit strategy will be a very important factor in the outcome of Sunday’s Feature event.”

PIRELLI PREVIEW

A change in compound selection will be introduced for the opening round of the Formula 2 season. At the Melbourne circuit, drivers will have the Soft and Supersoft compounds at their disposal. Therefore, compared to last year, there will be no step in compounds between the softest tyre in the range and the prime specification.

The quickest strategy for the Feature Race appears to be starting on the red-marked Soft and switching to the Supersoft for the final stint. However, some drivers may opt for an alternative approach in order to gain an advantage at the start of the race and to take advantage of any potential safety-car. In that case, greater attention to degradation management on the Soft may be required, particularly in the closing stages.

Other factors to consider are graining, which is relatively common at Albert Park, and the variable weather conditions. The start of autumn often brings significant temperature fluctuations and rainfall; for example, Sunday's race was cancelled in 2025 due to adverse weather.