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Your guide to the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne
Gear up for a day of fun on and off the track as the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Rolex Grand Prix rolls into Melbourne.
Grand Prix fever is peaking across Victoria as Formula 1 fans and sport lovers alike eagerly await the return of the motor race that stops a nation. The high-speed, high-decibel event roars into gear from 21-24 March 2024, bringing some of the world’s best drivers to Albert Park, Melbourne.
Plan your journey to the track ahead of time. More than 300,000 people are expected to descend on Albert Park across the four-day festival, with the motorsport spectacular offering excitement both on and off the grid.
From arriving at Albert Park on public transport via the free arevo app to getting around the track to the best vantage points and entertainment, here’s your guide to 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
What is the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?
The Australian Grand Prix is a Formula 1 motor race that takes place annually in Melbourne. It is one of the oldest races on the Formula 1 calendar, having been first held in 1928.
The race is held at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. The 5.278km circuit sees drivers hugging 14 turns as the course weaves its way around the city's sparkling Albert Park Lake.
The Australian Grand Prix has been won by many famous drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Lewis Hamilton.
When is the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix held?
The 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix is held over four days, from 21-24 March this year. The event will see drivers compete in three practice sessions and a qualifying round before the main event on Sunday 24 March, which will see all the race action commence at around 3pm.
The racing schedule also includes special events, presentations and demonstrations.
Use the free arevo app to help you plan an efficient journey to Albert Park. Image: Supplied
How do you get to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?
There are several ways to get to the Grand Prix in Melbourne. Use the free arevo journey planner app to help you plan your route via public transport, or find parking. It is recommended that you plan your journey in advance, arrive early, and allow plenty of time to get to the event, as the Grand Prix will be busy and crowded, especially on race day.
- Public transport: If you’re heading to the Grand Prix, public transport is the best way to get to and from the circuit. There will be extra tram services to help you get to and from the event, so check the arevo app to plan your easiest route. If you need to catch a train, get off at Southern Cross Station or Flinders Street Station and then connect to a tram service.
- Cycling: If you would prefer to park a little further away and avoid the chaos, you can also consider cycling to the event. There are dedicated bike lanes and paths around the circuit.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxi ranks will be located at Gates 1 and 2 (on Canterbury Road), Gates 3 and 5 (on Albert Road), Gate 8 (on St Kilda Road) and Gate 10 (on Fitzroy Street). There will also be designated drop-off and pick-up locations for ride-sharing services at Gates 1, 2, 3 and 10.
- Driving: There is no public parking at the circuit. Parking can be limited in surrounding areas during the event, so it is recommended to plan ahead and arrive early to secure a parking spot.
How loud is the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?
The Australian Grand Prix is a very loud event, with the sound of the Formula 1 cars reaching up to 140 decibels. The noise generated by the Formula 1 cars is due to the high-performance engines, which can rev up to 18,000 RPM and produce over 1,000 horsepower.
To put this noise into perspective, 140 decibels is equivalent to the sound of a jet engine at take-off, which is well above the level that is considered safe for prolonged exposure. As a result, ear protection is highly recommended for spectators attending the event, especially for young children.
Other than watch the race, what is there to do at the Grand Prix?
Attending the Australian Grand Prix offers a variety of activities and experiences for motorsport fans and visitors off the track.
- Visit the Fan Zone: The Fan Zone is an area that offers a range of activities and entertainment for fans, including live music, autograph sessions with drivers, simulators, and interactive exhibits. For Formula 1 fans, this should be at the top of your hit list.
- Check out Legends Lane: Immerse yourself in racing history at the Legends Lane. The precinct is also home to the Tech Hub, with daily talks showcasing new and future technologies emerging from Australia’s leading companies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Formula 1, automotive, defence, aviation, aerospace and more.
- Get into the festival vibe at M Lane: The Park’s M Lane Precinct is bringing plenty of action off the track. Catch live car painting demonstrations, explore the kids’ play space or get your pose on with some grid-worthy Instagram moments.
- Enjoy live entertainment: The Grand Prix might be known for the cars, but it’s also garnering a reputation for its live entertainment.
Turn 1 is one the most famous corners at the Albert Park track. Image: Supplied
Where can you get the best view at the Australian Grand Prix?
There are many great viewing locations at the Australian Grand Prix, depending on your preferences and ticket type. Some of the most popular viewing locations at the event include:
- Grandstands: The event offers a variety of grandstands located around the circuit, with different views and ticket prices.
- General Admission areas: General Admission tickets offer access to several viewing areas around the circuit, including the grassy hill overlooking turns 1 and 2. Alternatively, there are some nice general admission spots on the far side of the lake – go for between turns 8-9 or 9-10 for a great view of the track and city skyline.
- Rooftop platforms: Some hotels and buildings located around the circuit offer rooftop viewing platforms that provide a unique perspective of the race.
Is the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix family-friendly?
Yes, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne is a family-friendly event that welcomes visitors of all ages. The event offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to families, including:
- Kids' Corner: A dedicated area for kids that features a range of activities such as face painting, games, and crafts.
- Autograph sessions: The event offers autograph sessions with drivers and other celebrities, which can be a fun opportunity for fans of all ages to meet their favourite stars.
- Food and drink: The event features a range of food and drink options, including family-friendly options such as hot dogs, ice cream, and soft drinks.
- Entertainment: The event features live music and entertainment throughout the weekend, with acts that appeal to a variety of ages and tastes.
- Accessibility: The event provides accessibility services for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access and audio descriptions.
Who is racing in the 2024 Australian Grand Prix?
While we won’t know who’s favourite to win the Grand Prix until the conclusion of qualifying, some of the biggest names in Formula 1 are coming to Melbourne to compete for the race win and championship points.
This season, the line-up includes Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing, last year's Formula One World Champion (and Melbourne's 2023 Grand Prix winner). Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who set pole position time last year with an average speed of over 244km/h in the qualifier, will be a close contender. So will Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Lando Norris (McLaren), and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari).
Also keep your eyes peeled for Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri (McLaren), who made his F1 debut last year.
