All eyes were on Network 10 over the weekend, as it presented every race, qualifier and practice of the opening round of the Formula 1 to its viewers.
Network 10’s reach capped out yesterday afternoon during the race with 1,796,000 viewers tuning in to witness Australian Oscar Piastri fight for his first podium on home soil.
However, disaster struck when the McLaren driver failed to make the starting line, spinning out and crashing before the warm-up lap. Australian fans had high hopes for Piastri, who had qualified fifth before he lost control of his McLaren and slid helplessly into the concrete wall.
Just under one million viewers stuck with the broadcast of the race to witness a Mercedes masterclass. The team’s drivers George Williams and Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed a one, two podium, reinforcing the perspective that Mercedes is the team to beat this year.
But, the story of the race came from Visa Cash App Racing Bull‘s Arvid Lindblad, who finished in the top 10 in his debut race.
Network 10 also cashed in over night with its broadcast of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. A total TV national reach of 1,575,000 and a total TV national average audience of 722,00 witnessed a three all, high-scoring affair between the Matildas and South Korea.
South Korea opened the scoring in Sydney, but it was the Aussies who would walk into the sheds at halftime with a handy 2-1 lead. However, a second half that was labelled “careless” by coach Joe Montemurro saw the visitors take a 3-2 lead, before star defender Alanna Kennedy levelled the scores with a stunning goal late in stoppage time.
“This weekend, Network 10 delivered exceptional results with the Formula 1? Australian Grand Prix and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup,” said Adam Cush, 10’s sports production director.
“10 reached 3.7 million Australians across the Formula 1? Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026 season-opening weekend. The event marked the start of a significant new chapter for Formula 1, featuring cutting-edge vehicles and technology. The high audience numbers on 10 and record crowds at Albert Park, demonstrate Formula 1’s major event status in Australia.
“That same night, Network 10 achieved its highest ever audience for an AFC Women’s Asian Cup match, reaching 1.6 million viewers. A record crowd attended Stadium Australia as the Matildas played out a 3-all draw with Korea Republic, resulting in their quarter-final match to be played in Perth this Friday, 13 March.
“Both sports continue to attract broad and engaged audiences, as seen in this weekend’s viewership. Thank you to our commentary teams and production staff for their professionalism and dedication in delivering these results.”
Nine’s Married At First Sight stole the show once again with its broadcast of the commitment ceremony. A reach of 3,075,000 and an average audience of 1,905,000 turned to Nine to watch as controversial groom Tyson walk out of the ceremony and quit the experiment.
Tyson could not handle the fact that wife Steph called him out on his behaviour.
“I do not see a future here with this person at all. And quite frankly, after tonight, I’m going back to the Gold Coast,” Tyson whinged.
He then stood up, and fleed the experiment for good, leaving Steph alone on the couch. Overcome with emotion, Step threw her ring off, and sobbed. Causing the remaining grooms and brides to comfort her with a big, Tyson-free group hug.
On Saturday night Seven’s Better Homes and Gardens edged out the qualifying and third practice of 10’s broadcast of the F1 in Melbourne.
Friday night was dominated by Nine and Seven as the broadcasters continued their coverage of round one of the NRL and AFL seasons.
