Formula 1 has arrived for 2026, and the Australian Grand Prix will kick off this week.
This year everything has changed, with a complete overhaul of the cars in a bid to offer more exciting racing. In short, the cars are shorter, narrower and designed to encourage more overtaking, especially on tighter street circuits.
There could be a real shake-up of the order, and early suggestions indicate that Mercedes are the team to beat. Red Bull, of course, will be there thanks to the indomitable Max Verstappen, while McLaren’s Lando Norris will be gunning for back-to-back world championships.
How to listen to Formula 1 on BBC Radio 5 Live
To access BBC Radio 5 Live’s Formula 1 coverage for 2026, you have several options, including BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app (iOS/Android).
The schedule will be published on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, and its full schedule will be available to view here.
To listen, you’ll need a BBC account; register here.
And if you miss some of the action, you can listen to the F1: Checkered Flag podcast, where they will discuss in depth what is happening in the tournament.
Can I access Formula 1 coverage on BBC Sounds from abroad or while on holiday?
Yeah. UK residents who want to listen to F1 while traveling abroad can still access the BBC Sounds app via a VPN. We recommend NordVPN, which comes with a 73% discount, 3 extra months free, and an Amazon gift card right now…
How to unblock BBC Sounds with a VPN
If you’re outside the UK right now and can’t use BBC Sounds, you can still access the app thanks to the wonders of a VPN (virtual private network).
The software allows your devices to appear as if they are in your home country, regardless of where you are in the world. It’s ideal for listeners who are away for work or vacation and want a taste of home.
NordVPN is our favorite:
Tips to fix BBC sounds problems
If you still If you can’t access BBC Sounds, even with the help of a VPN, there are a few more things you can try.
Please ensure your BBC account is associated with a valid UK postcode, such as SE1 7PB.
The BBC Sounds app (iOS/Android) won’t appear on the Play Store or App Store outside the UK, but you may be able to prevent this by changing your phone’s region in the settings menu.
The BBC, like most broadcasters and networks, is engaged in a never-ending cat and mouse battle with VPN providers.
Although we’ve ranked the best VPNs for iPlayer, something we’ve resolved through extensive testing, if one of them works today there’s no guarantee that the same will happen tomorrow, in which case you can raise the issue with your VPN provider’s customer service team and ask them to recommend the best server to connect to.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
