🏁 AUSTRALIA PREVIEW – EL BOX DE FRANCO

The 2026 season kicks off in Australia. For Franco, it’s his first step onto this circuit in F1 machinery

Published

03 Mar 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia | 1/24

We’re finally back for the start of the 2026 season! How long have you been waiting? Because we’ve been counting the days.

This week we’re fully focused on Australia.

What’s coming this weekend

Franco arrives at a Formula 1 season opener for the very first time!

He opens his season at a circuit that traditionally sets the initial tone of the championship. After months of work at the factory and in the simulator, the team has been fine-tuning details in the garage to optimise the car’s balance through high-speed corners and energy management along the long straights, two factors that make all the difference here.

Key Circuit Facts – Australian GP:

- Lap length: 5.278 km - Number of corners: 14 - Straight Mode Zones: 5 - Total race distance: 306.124 km

👉 What makes it special

The Australian Grand Prix takes place at the semi-street Albert Park circuit, combining high-speed sections with technical sectors that demand quick changes of direction.

Sector 1:

Fast and flowing, requiring confidence in the front end.

Main straight:

Crucial for overtaking.

Turns 9–10:

Redesigned to increase cornering speed.

Qualifying is usually very important here. Although the five Straight Mode Zones provide opportunities, traffic and tyre temperature management can complicate strategy. Degradation tends to be medium, with particular attention on the rear axle during long runs.

History of the Australian GP

Australia joined the World Championship in 1985 in Adelaide, hosting unforgettable title deciders. Since moving to Melbourne in 1996, Albert Park has witnessed major debuts such as Hamilton and Verstappen, along with iconic moments that have shaped F1 history. In recent years, the event has continued to grow: in 2025 it attracted more than 465,000 fans across the weekend, establishing itself as one of the best-attended Grands Prix on the calendar.

👀 Heading to Melbourne?

We want to see you there. Share your photos using #FranClub43 and stay tuned, in the coming days we’ll invite you to upload your pictures and story to the website.

Argentinian Drivers in Australia

Franco won’t be the first Argentinian to compete in this Grand Prix, but he will be the first of this new generation to race in Melbourne. - Oscar Larrauri competed in 1988 and 1989 during the Adelaide era. - Esteban Tuero raced in 1998. - Gastón Mazzacane competed in 2000 and 2001.

Now it’s Franco’s turn to write his own chapter at this circuit.

What will be worked on in the Australian box

The goal is to arrive with a car that is consistent over a single lap and across long runs, validating the work carried out during pre-season, likely focusing on: - Optimising balance in high-speed corners. - Efficient energy management on long straights. - An intermediate aerodynamic configuration to adapt to evolving grip levels. - Maximising qualifying performance without compromising race pace.

Calling the FranClub

If you want to experience the race from the inside, stay connected and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a thing. Support Franco on social media using #FranClub43.

We’ll experience the first race of the year together 🩵

GENERAL

REDES SOCIALES

APOYO

APLICACIONES