 The 2016 Australian Grand Prix ( formally known as the 2016 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix ) was a Formula One motor race that was held on 20 March 2016 in Melbourne . The race was contested over fifty @-@ seven laps of the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit and was the first round of the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship . The race marked the eightieth race in the combined history of the Australian Grand Prix — which dates back to the 100 Miles Road Race of 1928 — and the twenty @-@ first time the event was held at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit . Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was the defending race winner . 
