The Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne demands everything from the drivers—Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz find clear words for the logistical borderline experience.
The Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne is traditionally a highlight on the calendar, but for the drivers and teams, the 2026 Australian Grand Prix marks the beginning of a logistical and physical endurance test. Alex Albon and his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz find clear words for the start of the record-breaking season: “It destroys you.”
In the latest edition of the Williams podcast Team Torque, the two drivers vented their frustration about the strain of traveling. The problem is not only the long journey to Down Under, but also the route that follows. The season opener in Australia is immediately followed by the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai—a classic double-header.
“It’s interesting that Melbourne is the first race, because it’s far from ideal for our internal clocks,” explains Albon. While the change from Australia to China is manageable due to the similar time zones, the subsequent break causes real chaos in our biorhythms.
Back and forth
Instead of staying in Asia, most teams and drivers return to their European headquarters during the week off after the Chinese Grand Prix.
The travel schedule in detail:
– Week 1: Melbourne (Australia)
– Week 2: Shanghai (China)
– Week 3: Return to Europe
– Week 4: Suzuka (Japan)
“During this week off, we fly back to the UK and land right in the middle of jet lag limbo,” Albon explains the problem. “Just when you’ve gotten used to European time again, you’re back on a plane to Japan – and then it’s back to Europe again.”
Sainz also at his limit
Carlos Sainz agreed with his teammate and reminded everyone that the ordeal is far from over: “And then we have Miami on the other side [of the world],” the Spaniard interjected.
For Albon, it’s clear that this cold start to the world championship is taking its toll: “The start of the season is over in a flash. It destroys you physically. I’m sure everyone in the paddock feels the same way, but it’s a damn hard way to start a season. You have to have your sleep management absolutely perfect.”