Grand Prix Wish Program brings magic to Albert Park

For twenty-three people and their families, the roar of engines at the Formula 1® Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026 will mean far more than racing. It will mark a once-in-a-lifetime moment of joy and connection, creating memories to be treasured forever. Through AGPC’s Wish Program, unforgettable experiences are brought to life for people living with, or impacted by, critical illness, working alongside the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Make-A-Wish® Australia, and My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.

“The Australian Grand Prix is about more than what happens on track - it’s about the moments we create for people," says Australian Grand Prix Corporation Social Impact Manager, Alex Corry. "Through the Wish Program, we’re proud to help deliver experiences that bring joy, connection and lasting memories to families who deserve something truly special.”

Across the four days, participants and their loved ones will be welcomed to the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit for personalised, behind-the-scenes experiences. From meeting drivers and teams to seeing the inner workings of a racing garage, the Wish Program gives families a chance to share something special together.

Margaret Zita OAM, Chief Operating Officer of My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, notes that these opportunities often come during the most difficult times for these families. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for including My Room families in this year’s Wish Program. These wishes create moments of joy and memories that families will hold onto forever, often during the hardest chapter of their lives.”

To give Wish participants a taste of the excitement to come, several children were recently joined at Albert Park by Tickford Racing drivers Cam Waters and Thomas Randle. Waters and Randle will compete in the Supercars Championship, which will once again kickstart the weekend of racing on Thursday, 5 March.

“Being able to play our part in the Wish Program is incredibly special," says Randle. "Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces reminds us how powerful sport can be. We’re looking forward to seeing these kids and their families back at the circuit during race week, soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the event alongside us.”

The impact of the program is best summed up by those who have walked the pit lane before. Jett, a 2025 Wish Program participant, recalls his time at the circuit as a highlight of his year. “Seeing inside the garage was my favourite part, and meeting Oscar Piastri and Alexander Albon. I couldn’t believe how close you can get to everything, it was so cool!”

For the charities involved, the program provides a vital sense of hope. Starlight Children’s Foundation Wishgranting Manager, Courtney Smith, explains that when a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, life is turned upside-down. “Programs like this one can be a wonderful source of hope and positive distraction for these children and their families. It gives them something to look forward to, provides valuable connection time and creates wonderful happy memories."

Supercars’ refreshed race format, which was launched in 2025, has generated huge interest in the 2026 Championship, with Melbourne sitting as the second race on the season’s calendar. The move to position the Supercars Paddock and podium to the outside of the Albert Park track last year will return for 2026, once again giving fans front-row access to the drivers and teams.

The Formula 1® Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026 returns to Albert Park from 5-8 March.