Australian GP names corner after pioneering female F1 engineers

For the first time in Formula 1 history, a corner of a Grand Prix circuit will be named in honor of women currently working in the sport. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation, in collaboration with Engineers Australia, will rename Turn 6 at Albert Park for Haas race engineer Laura Mueller and Red Bull head of race strategy Hannah Schmitz as part of the ‘In Her Corner’ initiative. The move aims to celebrate their achievements and boost visibility for women in motorsport engineering and strategy.

Why it matters:

This symbolic act directly challenges the traditional, male-dominated narrative of F1 by placing two highly accomplished women at the literal center of the track map. It provides tangible, highly visible role models at a premier global sporting event, promoting the crucial message of ‘if you can see it, you can be it’ for young women and girls considering STEM careers. In a sport where legacy is often measured in championships and corner names honor legendary drivers, this redefines what—and who—deserves permanent recognition on the circuit.

The details:

• The Honorees: Laura Mueller made history in 2023 as F1's first full-time female race engineer, guiding Esteban Ocon at Alpine (now at Haas). Hannah Schmitz is the respected head of race strategy at Red Bull Racing, a pivotal architect behind countless race wins and championship decisions.
• The Corner: The sweeping left-hander at Turn 6 in Melbourne will carry their names during the Grand Prix weekend, seen by thousands of trackside fans and a global television audience.
• Supporting Event: The initiative includes an International Women’s Day event on March 5 at Albert Park, featuring a panel with Mueller, Schmitz, Aston Martin's Jess Hawkins, F1 Academy drivers, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, hosted by former strategist and now presenter Ruth Buscombe.
• Broader Context: The 2026 Australian GP race day will coincide with International Women’s Day (March 8), giving the ‘In Her Corner’ project a long-term focal point.

The big picture:

Naming Turn 6 is more than a one-weekend gesture; it’s a statement about the evolving identity of Formula 1. While drivers remain the stars, the sport is increasingly acknowledging that success is built by a diverse team of experts behind the scenes. By permanently associating a corner with Mueller and Schmitz, the AGPC is cementing the idea that engineers and strategists are essential characters in F1’s story. As the field approaches that corner during the race, it will serve as a powerful, recurring reminder of the progress being made and the talent shaping the sport's future from the pit wall.