Formula 1 countdown

Audi Australia prepares to host the opening race of the hugely anticipated 2026 Formula 1 championship.

As Audi prepares to write a new chapter in its long and proud motorsport history, Audi Australia is busily finalising plans for the brand’s Formula 1 debut at the  FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX in March.

9 December, 2025


Now that the 2025 Formula Championship has been decided, attention turns in earnest to next year and Audi’s historic Formula 1 debut. And while work on the race cars, drive train and a host of other details continue a pace in Ingolstadt, Switzerland and the UK, in Australia, preparations are well advanced on the brand’s plans to see in the historic first race in true Audi style.

With Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit hosting the first race of the season, all eyes will be on the country’s southern capital for the historic race and Audi Australia will of course be in attendance with an impressive trackside presence.

Building on the tremendous success of the Audi Trackside Suite that was unveiled at this year’s Australian Grand Prix, Audi Australia will see in the brand’s historic Formula 1 debut in even greater style in 2026. 

The fact that this year's Audi Trackside Suite quickly sold out has prompted the design of a larger structure for 2026. The new, three-storey suite which will feature two open-air viewing decks as well as multiple lounge and dining areas both inside and out, will again occupy pride of place trackside, boasting views of the main straight and the all-important pit exit, allowing guests the perfect position from which to take in all the action.

In 2025 the Audi Trackside suite (pictured) redefined trackside hospitality, with 2026 promising to be bigger and better still.

With its contemporary architecture, luxurious interiors, world class culinary experiences and premium service, the Audi Trackside Suite very much mirrors the brand’s premium philosophy, delivering an experience perfectly in keeping with the Audi ethos.

“Audi’s entry into Formula 1 marks an extraordinary milestone for our brand and the 2026 Australian Grand Prix will be a defining moment for our customers and fans,” says Nick Reid, General Manager of Marketing for Audi Australia. 

“The Audi Trackside Suite offers a hospitality experience that reflects the precision, innovation, and ambition of our entry into the sport. We are proud to provide a front-row setting where guests can witness the start of this exciting new chapter for Audi, surrounded by exceptional service and world-class design.”

As with everything the brand undertakes, attention to detail is the key. Every aspect of the Audi Trackside Suite has been carefully considered to deliver an unparalleled experience. Once again Audi Ambassador and celebrated chef, Guillaume Brahimi, will be responsible for designing the menu served to guests over the course of the weekend, having wowed all those who attended this year with a seemingly never ending collection of delicacies.

Complimenting his culinary creations, guests will once again enjoy premium wines, beer and spirits, as well as barista coffee prepared throughout the three day event.

Over and above this year’s offering, the 2026 Audi Trackside Suite will also boast live entertainment including guest speakers and a DJ, all supported by seamless service and private amenities that reinforce the exclusivity of the overarching Audi experience.

Despite its larger physical size in 2026, numbers will be strictly limited at the Audi Trackside Suite next year. Tickets are now available from the dedicated Audi Australia Formula 1 site, which includes a revealing look into the brand’s proud motorsport history to date and information on what guests can expect at next year’s opening race at Albert Park. Priced at $8,490 incl. GST, the three-day package provides full access to the Audi Trackside Suite and its world class experience, as well as entry to the Albert Park circuit from 6-8 March 2026, for an unforgettable experience and the chance to witness motorsport history unfolding first hand.