A special honor for two women at the Melbourne Circuit

The promoter of the Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC), has taken an interesting step.

At many circuits, it is a long-standing tradition to name corners after individuals who have made a mark in the world of motorsport. Laura Mueller, race engineer for Esteban Ocon at Haas, and Hannah Schmitz, head of race strategy at Red Bull Racing, are the next to receive this honour. As part of the In Her Corner initiative dedicated to International Women’s Day on 8 March, Turn 6 at the Albert Park Circuit will be named after two women from the world of Formula 1.

Laura Müller and Hannah Schmitz will become the first women in Formula 1 history to have a circuit corner named in their honour. Müller, Schmitz, invited guests, and media representatives will attend the official ceremony at the track on 5 March. The project aims to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Müller became the first full-time female race engineer in Formula 1 history at the start of the 2025 season. Esteban Ocon described working with her as “awesome”.

Schmitz, meanwhile, has worked with various drivers during her years at Red Bull and was a key figure in the team’s success in 2022 and 2023. Her strategic calls played a decisive role in many victories and podium finishes.

Laura Mueller: “The In Her Corner initiative promotes the importance of ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’ so the more we can all do to shine a light on the overall achievement of women in engineering is a great thing.

To be a part of this acknowledgement so early on in my Formula 1 career is an honour, and I hope it motivates girls and young adults to pursue a career in STEM. It’s important to recognise women’s accomplishments in motorsport so far, and it’s great to be alongside Hannah for this”.

Hannah Schmitz: “I absolutely love my job and if you have the privilege of that choice also then make sure it’s the right role for you. I was always curious about how things work and loved cars. At school I had some amazing support and encouragement from teachers that opened my eyes to the world of engineering, they were my inspiration.

“For me it has been an absolute honour to represent the team on the podium. In Qatar last season, it was incredible to be in the fight for the Drivers’ Championship, witnessing the way everyone came together as a team was something very special to be a part of”.