MELBOURNE, Australia — The 2026 Formula 1 season roars to life this weekend with the Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit, kicking off a 24-race calendar that promises high drama, new regulations and fierce competition. As Max Verstappen seeks redemption after early-season struggles, fans worldwide are eager to tune in for the action-packed weekend of March 6-8, featuring practice, qualifying and the main race.

With the event starting early for many time zones—practice sessions begin Friday, March 6, and the race runs Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m. local time (4 a.m. GMT, 11 p.m. ET Saturday)—viewers need reliable options to catch every lap live. Broadcast rights vary by region, but streaming platforms dominate access, especially in the U.S. where Apple TV holds exclusive rights. Here’s the complete guide to watching the Australian Grand Prix live in 2026.

Event Schedule (All Times Local AEDT Unless Noted)

The weekend follows the standard format without a Sprint race:

• Friday, March 6 Free Practice 1: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Free Practice 2: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7 Free Practice 3: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Qualifying: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 8 Race: 3:00 p.m. (57 laps, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes)

Global start times adjust for time zones: race at 4 a.m. GMT (UK), 11 p.m. ET Saturday (U.S. East Coast), 8 p.m. PT Saturday (U.S. West Coast). Check local listings for exact broadcast times.

Where to Watch in the United States

Apple TV became the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1 in 2026 under a five-year deal, replacing ESPN. All sessions—practice, qualifying, race, plus pre- and post-race shows—are available live and on-demand via the Apple TV app or tv.apple.com.

• Subscription: Apple TV costs $12.99/month (or $99/year), with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. F1 TV Premium is now included free with Apple TV in the U.S., delivering 4K Ultra HD/HDR, multiview (up to 26 feeds), onboard cameras, team radios and personalized views.
• Devices: Stream on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL), Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation, Xbox and more.
• Access: Log in with Apple ID; new users get a trial. Eligible buyers of new Apple devices may receive three months free.
• Commentary: F1 TV team leads English coverage, with international feeds available.

This shift streamlines access but requires an Apple TV subscription—cord-cutters no longer have ESPN options for F1.

Where to Watch in the United Kingdom

Sky Sports retains exclusive rights, with full coverage on Sky Sports F1 (and Main Event for select sessions). Highlights air free-to-air on Channel 4 post-race.

• Live: Sky Sports F1 from early build-up (e.g., 2:30 a.m. GMT Sunday for race).
• Streaming: Sky Go app for subscribers; Now TV offers flexible passes starting £14.99 for sports.
• Free: Channel 4 for race highlights.

Where to Watch in Australia (Host Country)

Free-to-air coverage on Network 10 and 10 Play makes it accessible nationwide.

• TV: Network 10 broadcasts key sessions live.
• Streaming: 10 Play (free, with English commentary) streams every session live and on-demand.
• Paid: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports offer premium HD/multi-view options.

International and Global Streaming Options

F1 TV remains available in most territories (excluding restricted markets like the U.S. for premium features).

• F1 TV Pro/Premium: $10.99/month or $84.99/year for onboard cameras, team radio, multiview and 4K. Stream on web, iOS, Android, smart TVs, Roku, Chromecast, etc.
• Free Options: In select countries (e.g., Austria’s ServusTV, Belgium’s RTBF, Luxembourg’s RTL Zwee), free broadcasts exist. Use a VPN to access Australian 10 Play for free English streams (connect to AU server via NordVPN or ExpressVPN).
• Other Regions: Check Formula1.com’s broadcast guide for local channels (e.g., ESPN Latin America, ServusTV Austria).

Tips for Best Viewing Experience

• VPN for Access: If traveling or in a restricted area, a VPN unlocks free streams (e.g., 10 Play) or international feeds. Reliable options include NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
• F1 TV Premium Perks: Multiview, 4K HDR and driver-specific cameras enhance immersion.
• Mobile/Tablet: Apple TV app and 10 Play work seamlessly on iOS/Android.
• On-Demand: Missed a session? Replays available on Apple TV (U.S.) or F1 TV.

The Australian Grand Prix launches the 2026 season with intrigue—Verstappen’s Red Bull faces Mercedes and Ferrari challenges under new active aero rules. Whether streaming on Apple TV in the U.S., Sky Sports in the UK, or free on 10 Play in Australia, fans have multiple ways to watch every moment.

Tune in starting Friday for practice; the lights go out Sunday at Albert Park for a thrilling opener. Check official F1.com or local providers for updates, as schedules and rights can shift.

Women continue to remain underrepresented at the top levels of Corporate India despite gradual progress in boardroom diversity, according to a new report released by Primeinfobase.com ahead of International Women’s Day.

The report shows that while women account for 23% of employees in listed companies, their representation steadily declines as one moves up the corporate hierarchy. Women make up only 14% of Key Management Personnel (KMPs), 10% of executive directors and just 5% of managing directors or chief executive officers.

According to Pranav Haldea, Managing Director at PRIME Database Group, the data reflects a classic “leaky bucket” phenomenon, where women gradually drop out of the leadership pipeline. He said there is an urgent need for policies and supportive practices to ensure women do not have to leave the workforce mid-career due to childcare and other caregiving responsibilities.

At the board level, representation has improved over time. As of February 23, 2026, about 98% of the 2,285 companies listed on the NSE main board had at least one woman director, compared with 97% a year earlier. Among the 48 companies that still do not have a woman director, 20 are public sector undertakings.

Overall, 2,898 women currently hold 3,738 directorship positions, accounting for 21% of all board seats. This marks a rise from 18% in March 2021 and just 5% in March 2014, when the requirement to appoint at least one woman director on boards was first announced. Haldea noted that regulation played a significant role in improving board representation. However, the pace of progress has slowed after companies largely complied with the regulatory mandate. He also pointed out that when the rule was introduced in 2014, many firms appointed women relatives of promoters or individuals known to them, which diluted the objective of gender diversity.

Also Read | Women hold just 25% of mutual fund folios, start investing 5 years later than men: Report

Even so, the number of companies with two or more women directors has increased from 35% in March 2021 to 47% currently. Around 88% of companies now have at least one independent woman director, while those with two or more women independent directors have risen from 10% to 21% during the same period.
Women hold 28% of independent directorship positions but only 10% of executive directorships. At the very top, representation remains particularly limited. Just 119 companies, or 5% of the total, have a woman MD or CEO. Among the 130 women heading these companies, about 69% belong to the promoter group, highlighting the limited presence of professional women leaders outside promoter families.
Women also remain scarce in other senior roles. Outside promoter groups, professional executive women directors account for only 7% of such positions. Meanwhile, only 6% of companies have a woman chairperson, with nearly half of them from promoter groups.

The report also highlights a significant gender gap in pay. The median remuneration of male executive directors stood at Rs 120 lakh in FY25, about 74% higher than Rs 69 lakh for women. Among non-promoter executive directors, the gap is even wider, with men earning a median of Rs 104 lakh compared with Rs 43 lakh for women. Male KMPs earned about 77% more than women on average, while the median pay for male employees was 34% higher. Among workers, the gap widened further, with men earning 86% more than women.

Interestingly, the trend reverses for independent directors, where women earn slightly more. The median remuneration for women independent directors was Rs 4.90 lakh compared with Rs 4.80 lakh for men.

Sectorally, women directors had the highest representation in diversified, healthcare and IT companies at 23%, while energy had the lowest share at 17%. Among employees and workers, IT recorded the highest female participation, while commodities, industrials and utilities sectors reported the lowest levels.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

After a decade of fan petitions, online campaigns and persistent calls for more official content from the beloved animated series Gravity Falls, Disney has announced The Art of Gravity Falls, an official art book set to release on September 15, 2026. The 256-page hardcover, co-authored by series creator Alex Hirsch and co-writer Rob Renzetti, promises to unlock the creative vault with never-before-seen development art, early character designs, unused ideas, storyboards, easter eggs and commentary from the show’s artists and team.

The announcement, which surfaced in early March 2026 via Disney Books and Hirsch’s social media, marks a major win for the dedicated fanbase that has kept the show’s legacy alive long after its 2016 finale. Fans had long demanded an art book—petitions on Change.org dating back years urged Disney to approve a project similar to those for other Disney properties, arguing the series’ intricate visual style and hidden details deserved a comprehensive visual history. Hirsch himself referenced a canceled 2020 art book deal with Dark Horse, fueling speculation that Disney’s hesitation stemmed from concerns over demand. The new release through Hyperion Avenue proves those worries unfounded.

For years, the true origins of Gravity Falls have been hidden under lock and key. Now, for the first time ever, Hirsch and Renzetti crack open the vault to reveal the definitive visual history of the series. Inside the book, readers will find never-before-revealed development art from Hirsch’s personal archives, including first inklings of Dipper and Mabel Pines, concept art of the strange town of Gravity Falls, storyboards from memorable episodes, every single one of Mabel’s sweaters, lost episode ideas, cut jokes, deviously hidden easter eggs, and much more.

A foreword by animation legend James Baxter adds prestige, while interviews with the creative team provide behind-the-scenes insights into how the show’s unique blend of humor, mystery and heartfelt family moments came together. The cover art, featuring iconic elements like the Mystery Shack and Bill Cipher, has already drawn praise on social media for its nostalgic yet fresh design.

Pre-orders opened immediately on sites like Disney Books, Barnes & Noble (with an exclusive edition), Target and Amazon. Fans quickly flooded comment sections with excitement, many noting the timing aligns perfectly with the show’s enduring popularity on Disney+ and the recent success of related books like The Book of Bill (2024), which became a bestseller and expanded the lore through Bill Cipher’s chaotic perspective.

Gravity Falls premiered on Disney Channel in 2012 and concluded its two-season run in 2016, earning critical acclaim for its clever writing, intricate puzzles and emotional depth. The series followed twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they uncovered supernatural secrets in the quirky Oregon town with their great-uncle Stan. Hirsch’s commitment to ending the show on his terms—rather than dragging it out—left fans satisfied but hungry for more. Subsequent releases like Journal 3 (2016), Lost Legends graphic novel (2018) and The Book of Bill kept the universe alive, but an official art book remained the most-requested item.

The announcement arrives amid renewed interest in Disney’s animated catalog. Gravity Falls consistently ranks high on streaming charts, with new viewers discovering the series through word-of-mouth and algorithmic recommendations. The book’s release also coincides with other Disney animation tie-ins, including a graphic novel from The Owl House later in September 2026, signaling the studio’s investment in celebrating its modern classics.

Hirsch, who voices multiple characters including Stan and Soos, has been vocal about the project’s significance. In promotional posts, he emphasized the book’s authenticity—no AI-generated content, just pure hand-drawn art and creator commentary. Collaborators like cover artist Iworrel and video creator Louie Zong contributed to teasers, building hype with behind-the-scenes glimpses and music from composer Brad Breeck.

Fans have already begun decoding potential hidden messages in promotional images, a tradition rooted in the show’s cipher-heavy episodes. Social media overflowed with reactions: “This is the closure we’ve been waiting for,” one X user wrote, while another posted, “Mabel’s sweaters alone are worth the price.” Pre-order numbers are expected to be strong, given the series’ dedicated community and the success of previous tie-in books.

The 256-page (or 252 in some listings) volume positions itself as the ultimate companion for fans, offering a deep dive into the visual development that made Gravity Falls stand out. It includes early concepts that evolved into fan-favorite elements, scrapped ideas that could have changed episodes, and annotations explaining artistic choices behind the show’s distinctive style.

For longtime enthusiasts, the book serves as both celebration and archive, preserving the creative process behind a series that influenced modern animation with its mystery-box storytelling and emotional core. Newer fans, drawn in by streaming, will gain appreciation for the meticulous world-building that rewarded close viewing.

Disney has not announced additional events like signings or panels tied to the release, but given Hirsch’s convention history, appearances at events like New York Comic Con or San Diego Comic-Con later in 2026 seem likely. The book arrives just over 10 years after the finale, providing a timely milestone for reflection.

As pre-orders climb and fan excitement builds, The Art of Gravity Falls stands as proof that the show’s mysteries—and its devoted audience—continue to thrive. Whether decoding new easter eggs or revisiting old favorites, fans will finally get an official peek behind the curtain of one of Disney’s most cherished animated gems.

In a study conducted in February 2025 by Wells Fargo Investment Institute, it was observed that women derived stronger risk-adjusted returns due to a more disciplined approach when investing, compared to men. Research by Warwick Business School showed that female investors are less likely to invest in speculative stocks. They tend to exit losing positions faster. The same research indicates that women may notice risks that men might miss, which leads to better diversification and less interest in speculative bets. Women, when compared to men, are also more open to acquire financial education and seek professional advice. This results in a preference for structured portfolio building rather than impulsive market involvement.

These findings clearly indicate that women seem to possess all the attributes for long-term wealth creation — patience, discipline, diversification, calculated risk-taking, and consistency. Perhaps due to their more rounded experience at managing household budgets, they also demonstrate greater caution in managing their individual accounts.

However, the question arises that why despite being temperamentally better equipped at handling finances, are women not at par with men when it comes to taking investment decisions?

Financial Autonomy

According to research conducted by The International Centre for Research on Women –

“A woman is economically empowered when she has both the ability to succeed and advance economically and the power to make and act on economic decisions.” Lack of autonomy and financial agency are the primary factors behind women not participating equally in investment decisions.
According to a Further, a CRISIL and AMFI study observed that self-employed women are more likely to make their own financial decisions (55%) than salaried women (39%). The study highlights that women who regularly make decisions find it more comfortable to invest their surpluses. It also found out that women’s financial autonomy varies by income source, age, and affluence. Financial independence rises with age— 65% of women over age 45 manage finances themselves. Likewise, 58% of affluent women display higher autonomy compared to 38% of semi-affluent women, apparently due to greater literacy and resources.

Financial Literacy and Knowledge

In the recent past, financial awareness among Indian women has increased, leading to a rise in investment activities. Although the percentage of women investors has remained steady over six years, their share of industry assets increased from 15% in March 2017 to almost 21% by December 2023. This growth is especially significant in B-30 cities, where women’s asset share rose from 17% to 28%. But women still have a long way to go in making smart investment choices. A CRISIL DBS report observed that, women in India allocate 51% of their funds to fixed deposits and savings accounts, compared to general households that invest 46% in the same tools. Likewise, they invest 15% in capital markets, versus 8.4% for households.

Therefore, with a thorough understanding of investment options, related risks, and possible returns as discussed above, women are better equipped to create well-diversified and profitable investment portfolios.

Income Levels Influence Investment Capacity

There is a structural income gap between men and women, with women earning on average 17% less. To reach financial parity, women must save around 20% more, which reduces their disposable income. Lower salaries and career breaks further limit women’s earning potential and investment capital, often leading them to invest more conservatively than men.

Risk Tolerance

Risk appetite is shaped by financial goals, personality traits, lived experiences, and broader life responsibilities. In a predominantly male-dominated society, women receive delayed exposure to various financial aspects which impedes their risk appetite. Resultantly, women start their investment journey later than men. In a 2024 survey in the US, over 70% of women expressed a regret for not having started to invest their surplus savings earlier than they eventually did. In India, women’s risk-averse nature is reflected in the choice of investments. Women’s investment portfolios consist of mutual funds and the more traditional investment avenues, such as deposits, gold, and real estate.

In summary, women’s reputation for being risk-averse can be a significant advantage in building sustainable, long-term wealth. The power of compounding benefits those who practice persistence and patience—traits many women exhibit. By increasing financial literacy and making informed decisions, women are well-positioned to create diverse, high-performing portfolios, underscoring the importance of their approach to securing financial success.

(The author is Chief Investment Officer, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Co)

The number of women investors grew 116.8% in the latest annual growth cycle, reflecting increasing participation across both metro and non-metro regions and, on average, women investors hold four different digital assets in their portfolios. Popular assets include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Cardano, XRP, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Avalanche, according to a release by CoinDCX.

The release further highlighted a sharp rise in women’s participation in India’s crypto markets. According to platform insights, the ratio of women investors improved between 2023 and 2025, from 1:7 to 1:6. Women now account for over 15% of the total investor base, highlighting a steady shift toward greater financial participation in digital assets.

Also Read | Women hold just 25% of mutual fund folios, start investing 5 years later than men: Report

The data suggests that women investors are approaching crypto markets with a research-driven and diversified strategy.

Geographically, participation is expanding beyond traditional financial hubs. While Tier I cities account for around 50% of women investors, over 40% participation now comes from Tier II and non-metro cities, signalling deeper financial inclusion through digital-first investment platforms.

Among metros, leading participation is seen in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, while emerging cities such as Bhubaneswar, Vadodara, and Kochi are witnessing increasing adoption.
Women’s participation in crypto is increasingly being shaped by metros and non-metro cities. Tier I and Tier II cities drive over 90% of women’s crypto participation. The shift reflects expanding access to digital financial infrastructure beyond traditional urban strongholds.
“On International Women’s Day 2026, as we reflect on the theme ‘Give To Gain,’ we reaffirm our belief that when women thrive, the nation prospers. Empowering women is not just a social responsibility, it is an economic imperative. At CoinDCX, we are committed to breaking barriers and building pathways that foster women’s leadership, financial independence, and long-term wealth creation,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-founder, CoinDCX.
“Our data clearly shows that women are not merely entering crypto; they are participating with discipline, research-driven conviction, and a long-term perspective. The strong acceleration in 2025, particularly across Tier II and Tier III cities, signals a structural shift toward deeper financial inclusion,” he added.

Also Read | Women’s Day 2026: India’s leading 3 female portfolio managers. Check how they navigate market cycles

Over the three years, women’s entry into crypto has steadily increased, retention through market cycles has strengthened, and participation has moved from early curiosity to sustained engagement.

“We are also witnessing a meaningful shift in how women engage with financial markets. Many are approaching crypto with a research-driven mindset, focusing on diversification and long-term value creation. The rising participation from Tier II and emerging cities further highlights how access to digital platforms and financial education is enabling more women to confidently take charge of their investment journeys and participate in the evolving Web3 economy,” said Anjali Kakkar, VP and Head, Corporate Communications, CoinDCX.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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