Key Points:
- Turn 6 at Albert Park officially renamed after Hannah Schmitz and Laura Mueller.
- The iconic corner honors two of Formula 1’s most influential engineers as part of the In Her Corner initiative.
- Schmitz (Red Bull Racing) and Mueller (Alpine/Haas) are celebrated for their strategic and technical contributions in F1, breaking new ground in a male-dominated sport.
- The initiative aims to inspire more women in engineering and motorsport, featuring panels and events highlighting female role models ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
F1 Makes History: Turn 6 at Albert Park Named After Female Engineers
The Australian Grand Prix has taken a historic step in promoting diversity and inclusion by officially renaming Turn 6 at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne as part of the “In Her Corner” initiative ahead of the 2026 season-opening race on 8 March, which coincides with International Women’s Day, to honor two groundbreaking female engineers:
- Hannah Schmitz, the strategic mastermind behind Red Bull Racing's recent dominance.
- Laura Mueller, the rapidly ascending race engineer set to guide Esteban Ocon at Alpine in 2025.
This isn't just a ceremonial gesture; it's a profound recognition of their invaluable contributions and a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Honouring Trailblazers: Hannah Schmitz and Laura Mueller Recognised
Turn 6 will stand as a permanent tribute to two of Formula 1’s most influential engineers: Hannah Schmitz, Principal Strategy Engineer for Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Laura Mueller, Race Engineer for TGR Haas F1 Team and Esteban Ocon’s lead engineer. Both women are recognised not only for their technical expertise but also for breaking new ground in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Mueller made history in 2025 as the first full‑time female race engineer in F1, a role in which she plays a crucial part in guiding her driver and interpreting data throughout race weekends. Schmitz, meanwhile, has been instrumental in Red Bull’s success, with her strategic decisions credited in multiple victories and championship runs.
The In Her Corner initiative — a collaboration between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation — is designed to highlight visible role models in STEM and engineering, encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in these fields. An exclusive event on 5 March at Albert Park will feature panels and discussions with Schmitz, Mueller and other women shaping the future of motorsport.
By permanently naming a section of one of F1’s iconic circuits after these trailblazers, the sport is sending a clear message that talent and contribution, not gender, define impact at the highest level of racing.
