What is the Australian Grand Prix?
The Australian Grand Prix is the Formula One race held in Australia, at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. It is often the opening race of the Formula One season and attracts huge crowds.
The Australian Grand Prix has a long history, with races held since 1928. It became part of the Formula One World Championship in 1985, held on a street circuit in Adelaide.
The race moved to Melbourne in 1996. The Albert Park circuit runs around a lake in a public park, using roads that are open to the public during the rest of the year.
Famous moments
Memorable races include the 1986 Adelaide race, when Nigel Mansell's tire exploded and Alain Prost won the championship, and the 1994 race, when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill collided.
The Melbourne race was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2022 with circuit changes designed to increase overtaking.
Australian drivers such as Jack Brabham and Alan Jones have won the Formula One World Championship. The Grand Prix weekend includes support races, concerts and air displays.