Formula 1 has arrived for 2026, with the Australian Grand Prix kicking everything off this week.
It is all change this year, with a complete overhaul of the cars in a bid to bring more exciting racing. In brief, the cars are shorter, narrower and designed to encourage more overtakes, particularly on tighter street circuits.
It could see a real shake-up of the order, and early suggestions indicate Mercedes are the team to beat. Red Bull, of course, will be there or thereabouts thanks to the indomitable Max Verstappen, while McLaren’s Lando Norris will be eyeing 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 multiple options including BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app (iOS/Android) are also available.
Programming will go out on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra — with their full schedule available to view here.
To listen, you will need a BBC account — register here.
And if you miss any of the action, you will be able to listen to the F1: Chequered Flag Podcast, where they will discuss the ongoings at the tournament in depth.
Can I access Formula 1 coverage on BBC Sounds from abroad or on holiday?
Yes. UK residents looking to listen to the F1 traveling abroad can still access the BBC Sounds app via a VPN. We recommend NordVPN, which comes with 73% off, 3 months extra free and an Amazon gift card right now...
How to unblock BBC Sounds with a VPN
If you're outside the UK at the moment and blocked from using 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're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for listeners away for work or on vacation wanting a taste of home.
NordVPN is our favorite:
BBC Sounds Troubleshooting Tips
If you still can't access BBC Sounds, even with the aid of a VPN, there are a few more things you can try.
Make sure your BBC account is associated with a valid UK post code, such as SE1 7PB.
The BBC Sounds app (iOS / Android) won't appear in the Play Store or the App Store outside the UK, but you may be able to get around that by changing your phone's region in the settings menu.
The BBC, like most broadcasters and networks, is engaged in a neverending cat-and-mouse battle with VPN providers.
Although we've ranked the best iPlayer VPNs, something we've worked out through thorough testing, if one of them works today there's no guarantee the same will be true tomorrow, in which case you can raise the issue with your VPN provider's customer support 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. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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