Mueller and Schmitz become first women to have Albert Park corner named in their honour
Monday, 23 February 2026
Turn 6 will be dedicated to two of Formula 1®’s most influential engineers as part of the "In Her Corner" initiative celebrating International Women’s Day.
Motorsport circuits around the world have a longstanding tradition of naming corners after the industry’s most influential people. In Melbourne this year, two of Formula 1®’s biggest trailblazers will join those ranks — and become the first women to do so.
Laura Mueller, Race Engineer for TGR Haas F1 Team, and Hannah Schmitz, Head of Race Strategy for Oracle Red Bull Racing, will have Turn 6 of the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit dedicated to them at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026.
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The initiative, "In Her Corner," is part of a partnership between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation in celebration of International Women’s Day. Mueller made history as the first full-time female race engineer in F1® history, currently working with Esteban Ocon. Schmitz, highly regarded for her bold calls that have led to numerous wins, has been a cornerstone of Red Bull's strategic success.
“The ‘In Her Corner’ initiative promotes the importance of ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’" says Mueller. "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.”
Schmitz, who has been hailed for her composure by Max Verstappen, hopes her path inspires others to follow their curiosity. “I was always curious about how things work and loved cars," she says. "For me, it has been an absolute honour to represent the team on the podium.”
The dedication of Turn 6 will be celebrated with an exclusive ticketed lunch on Thursday, 5 March. Hosted by F1® presenter Ruth Buscombe, the event features a star-studded panel including Schmitz, Mueller, Jess Hawkins, and F1 Academy drivers Aiva Anagnostiadis and Joanne Ciconte.
Katherine Richards, Engineers Australia Chief Engineer, notes the significance of the partnership. “In Her Corner celebrates the talent, leadership and drive of two engineers who are redefining what’s possible, not just in Formula 1®, but across engineering, technology and business.”
International Women’s Day falls on Sunday, 8 March — the same day the lights go out for the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation acknowledges the Bunurong People, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which we meet and race. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present.
We respect and welcome people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures.