Australian Grand Prix 2025: UK start time, schedule, weather and how to watch F1 race on TV

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Formula 1 returns this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix kicking off the 2025 season, which promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent history.

Max Verstappen is aiming to win a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship with Red Bull – a feat only the legendary Michael Schumacher has achieved.

But following his unexpected title charge last year and a strong pre-season, Lando Norris is the bookies favourite though he faces competition from McLaren teammate and Australia’s hero Oscar Piastri.

Plenty of eyes are on Lewis Hamilton as he makes his Ferrari debut, with George Russell hoping to be in contention with Mercedes, while rookie Brit Oliver Bearman is aiming to make a strong start with Haas.

Last year’s race Down Under was action-packed, with Verstappen and Hamilton retiring, Russell crashing out on the last lap and Carlos Sainz claiming victory just days after undergoing appendicitis.

It’s the first time since 2019 that the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne has hosted the season opener, so here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 F1 Australian Grand Prix including what time it starts in the UK, the latest weather forecast and how to watch on TV and live stream.

What time does the Australian Grand Prix start in the UK?

Set your alarm clocks, because it’s lights out and away we go at 4am on Sunday, March 16.

Don’t panic, because Australia – where the race begins at 3pm local time – is by far the grand prix with the earliest start time for UK viewers.

They’ll be a few more early morning races this year, including Japan and Las Vegas, but for the most part you can enjoy the action at a more reasonable hour of the day.

Australian Grand Prix weather forecast

As if we needed more excitement, there is a threat of rain for Sunday’s race!

Plenty of sunshine has been forecast for Friday and Saturday’s sessions in Melbourne, which will aid drivers as they continue to adjust to their new cars.

Temperatures could reach as high as 36C during qualifying but are expected to plummet to 21C come the race, while there is a 50 per cent chance of rain in the hours building up to lights out.

How to watch the Australian Grand Prix on TV and live stream in the UK

As ever, Sky Sports will be showing every Formula 1 session live, with their coverage of the race in Australia beginning at 2.30am on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event.

You can also stream the grand prix live on Sky Go, but if you fancy a lie in instead, Channel 4 will be showing race highlights at 1pm.

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