F1 Australian Grand Prix 2024: How to Listen & Times on BBC Radio & iPlayer
The Formula 1 season is gearing up for a pivotal year, with a significant shift in regulations and a potential shake-up in the competitive landscape. As the sport enters what’s being described as a ‘new era,’ fans will have multiple avenues to follow the action, from live race coverage to in-depth analysis.
The BBC will be a central hub for F1 coverage in 2026, offering commentary across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app. For those preferring voice commands, smart speakers can be instructed to “play BBC Radio 5 Live” or “play BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.”
A key component of the BBC’s coverage is the Chequered Flag podcast. This year, a notable expansion sees post-race shows for every Grand Prix now available to watch on both BBC iPlayer and YouTube, broadening access for fans.
The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled from to , will be covered extensively. schedule begins with the first practice session at , followed by the second practice at . Both sessions will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and accessible via smart speakers.
On , the third practice session is set for , leading into qualifying at . As with Friday’s sessions, coverage will be available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers.
The main event, the race itself, takes place on , with a start time of . Pre-race build-up will commence at on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers.
Beyond the immediate race weekend schedule, the BBC’s coverage extends to a broader examination of the 2026 season. Recent podcast episodes have focused on the emerging talent entering Formula 1, specifically Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman, as they navigate this new era. A bonus episode caught up with the two drivers as they prepared for their F1 debuts.
The Chinese Grand Prix, recently concluded, was a focal point of analysis, with discussions centering on Antonelli’s performance and a competitive battle between Ferrari and Mercedes. Coverage included reviews of the race itself, Saturday’s sprint qualifying, and a preview of the event. The “Chequered Flag Extra” segment delved into current F1 trends and social media dynamics.
Prior to the Chinese Grand Prix, the Australian Grand Prix received similar treatment, with reviews of both the race and qualifying sessions. A particular point of discussion was the challenges faced by Aston Martin during the initial on-track testing in Australia.
Looking ahead to the season as a whole, the BBC’s preview programming highlighted the significant rule changes and regulations implemented for 2026. The analysis suggested a potential four-way title fight, indicating a highly competitive season. This preview, available on the BBC platforms, offered insights into the strategies teams are likely to employ and the key drivers to watch.
The “Back at Base” podcast series provides further behind-the-scenes access, with recent episodes focusing on the preparations of Cadillac and Mercedes for the 2026 season. The series has documented the car builds, driver aspirations, and the challenges faced by teams as they adapt to the new regulations. Episodes have also explored the transition of Valtteri Bottas to Cadillac and the early stages of development for Antonelli and Bearman.
The expanded coverage on BBC iPlayer and YouTube represents a significant step in making Formula 1 more accessible to a wider audience. By offering both audio and visual content, the BBC aims to cater to diverse viewing and listening preferences. The availability of post-race shows on these platforms allows fans to revisit key moments and gain deeper insights into the races.
With the season underway and the new regulations in effect, the 2026 Formula 1 championship promises to be a captivating spectacle. The BBC’s comprehensive coverage, encompassing live race broadcasts, in-depth analysis, and behind-the-scenes access, will undoubtedly be a valuable resource for fans seeking to stay informed and engaged throughout the year.