Formula 1 fans heading to the Australian Grand Prix next month will be able to move around Albert Park easier and more quickly, and experience greater comfort, with major venue upgrades including more covered grandstand seats, new pontoons and a larger overpass.
In previous years, racegoers have complained about the bottleneck queues surrounding the overpass, with long wait times slowing down entry and exits.
There will be extra shading at Albert Park this year for the fans heading along to the Formula 1 grand prix.Credit: Jason South
Australian Grand Prix Corporation head of infrastructure Tim George said the new pedestrian overpass was three times the size of the previous structure and had six adaptable lanes to help fans move around the track during peak periods.
“Across the eight overpass structures at Albert Park grand prix circuit, we’ll see a 56 per cent increase in site-wide overpass capacity compared to last year’s event, which is expected to significantly reduce congestion experienced in these areas previously,” George told this masthead.
The infrastructure around the circuit is already taking shape.Credit: Jason South
In 2025, the Australian Grand Prix smashed its attendance record with a total of 465,498 spectators attending over the four-day weekend. A similar crowd, if not larger, is expected for the season opener next month.
On race day last year, poncho-clad fans were drenched as rain and wind lashed Albert Park. George confirmed fans coming to see opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 season would have access to two upgraded pontoons across the lake and more options to take shelter from the weather.
F1 fans make their way out of the Albert Park circuit after enduring heavy rain for most of the day.Credit: Joe Armao
“[There is] a 47 per cent increase in shade across the site, and 13,718 covered grandstand seats, a 151 per cent increase from 2025,” he said.
“In addition to this, it’s expected that the opening of Anzac Station will transform how fans travel to and from the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, enabling greater use of Gate 5 and improving overall access to the event.”
Fans flocking to the Australian GP in March will get a chance to see Melburnian Oscar Piastri in his first race back after losing the championship to teammate Lando Norris last year.
The first race of the season is fans’ first proper look at a new era in F1, with changed regulations, cars and new team Cadillac entering the grid with returning drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
In 2026, cars will be narrower, shorter and lighter. Floors will also become flatter and will be required to be higher off the ground, while rear and front wings are also in for an adjustment.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
