Albert Park Circuit Recognises Trailblazing Women in Motorsport
In a significant move celebrating International Women’s Day, the Australian Grand Prix has dedicated Turn 6 of the iconic Albert Park Circuit to two prominent female engineers making waves in Formula 1: Laura Mueller, race engineer for Esteban Ocon, and Hannah Schmitz, Red Bull’s head of race strategy. This honour is part of the In Her Corner initiative, a collaborative effort between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, aimed at highlighting the contributions of women in STEM fields, particularly within motorsport.
A Tribute to Engineering Excellence
The naming of Turn 6, a crucial point on the Melbourne street circuit, serves as a powerful symbol of recognition for women who are not only succeeding but excelling in highly technical and demanding roles within Formula 1. This initiative underscores the growing presence and impact of women in sectors traditionally dominated by men, fostering inspiration for future generations.
Hannah Schmitz: A Strategist’s Journey
Hannah Schmitz, a key figure in Red Bull Racing’s success, boasts an impressive career trajectory within the sport. She joined the energy drink-backed team in 2009, initially working as a modelling and strategy engineer. Her dedication and sharp analytical skills saw her progress to senior strategy engineer in 2011, and she was further promoted to principal strategy engineer in 2021. At 40 years old, Schmitz is one of a select group of only eleven women to have graced the Formula 1 podium to accept the prestigious constructors’ trophy.
Schmitz shared her passion for her profession, stating, “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.” Her journey into engineering was sparked by an innate curiosity about how things function and a lifelong love for cars. She credits her teachers in school for providing crucial support and encouragement, opening her eyes to the possibilities within engineering and serving as her primary inspiration.
Reflecting on her experiences, Schmitz described her time on the podium as an “absolute honour.” She vividly recalled the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where being part of the intense fight for the drivers’ championship and witnessing the team’s cohesive effort was a profoundly special experience.
Laura Mueller: Ascending the Ranks
Laura Mueller, Esteban Ocon’s race engineer, has also carved an impressive path in Formula 1. She joined the Haas F1 Team in 2022, beginning her journey in the simulator department. From there, she steadily climbed the ranks, taking on various supporting roles at race weekends. In 2024, she served as a performance engineer before stepping into the pivotal role of Ocon’s race engineer for the 2025 season.
The German engineer highlighted the significance of the In Her Corner initiative, emphasizing the powerful message of “if you can see it, you can be it.” She believes that showcasing the achievements of women in engineering is vital. “The more we can all do to shine a light on the overall achievement of women in engineering is a great thing,” Mueller commented.
For Mueller, being recognised so early in her Formula 1 career is a tremendous honour. She hopes this will motivate girls and young adults to pursue careers in STEM. “It’s important to recognise women’s accomplishments in motorsport so far, and it’s great to be alongside Hannah for this,” she added.
A Partnership for Progress
Katherine Richards, Chief Engineer at Engineers Australia, expressed her organisation’s pride in partnering with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for the In Her Corner initiative. She stated, “Engineers Australia is proud to partner with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to launch In Her Corner and name a turn on one of the world’s most iconic circuits after two women currently shaping Formula 1.”
Richards further elaborated on the initiative’s purpose, saying, “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.” The dedication of Turn 6 at Albert Park is more than just a renaming; it’s a beacon, signalling a future where gender is no barrier to achievement in the thrilling world of motorsport and beyond.
