Larger bridges, more shade: How Albert Park is fixing the F1 fan experience

Formula 1 fans heading to the Australian Grand Prix next month will be able to move around Albert Park more easily and quickly, with major venue upgrades including more covered grandstand seats, new pontoons and a larger overpass across the track.

In previous years, racegoers have complained about the bottleneck queues surrounding the overpass, with long wait times slowing down entry and exits.

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.

In 2025, the Australian Grand Prix said it broke 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.

“[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.

In terms of racing, the major change that comes into effect is the loss of the drag reduction system (DRS). Instead, in 2026, drivers will have access to “overtake mode” and will have to be more strategic about when they activate it.

Piastri will start the 2026 title fight by aiming for an Albert Park podium finish – a feat no Australian driver has achieved – and the popular driver will enjoy huge hometown support at the event, which runs from March 5-8. 

Last year, Piastri was challenging for the race win in Melbourne when he spun in wet conditions, eventually finishing ninth behind winner and teammate Norris.

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