A landmark event is set to take place at the Australian Grand Prix as two of Formula 1’s most notable women will be recognised for their contributions to the sport during a season opener that is extra special for women, as the first round of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship coincides with International Women’s Day at the Albert Park Circuit on 8 March, 2026.
TGR Haas F1 Team race engineer Laura Mueller and Hannah Schmitz, principal strategy engineer for Red Bull Racing, will become the first women to have a corner on an F1 circuit named after them, as Turn 6 will be dedicated to the iconic pair.
Mueller made history as she became the first full-time race engineer in F1 when she began her role as race engineer for Haas driver Esteban Ocon, while Schmitz is known to have been influential in Red Bull’s squad’s successes in their 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
This forms part of the ‘In Her Corner’ initiative, in a partnership between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of engineers. The programme also highlights the contribution of women currently shaping Formula 1, and aims to promote greater participation in engineering and STEM disciplines.
“The ‘In Her Corner’ initiative promotes the importance of ‘If you can see it, you can be it.’, so the more we can all do to shine a light on the overall achievement of women in engineering is a great thing,” said 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.”
TGR Haas F1 Team Race Engineer, Laura Mueller
“It’s important to recognise women’s accomplishments in motorsport so far, and it’s great to be alongside Hannah for this,” says Mueller. “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.”
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“I was always curious about how things work and loved cars. At school, I had some amazing support and encouragement from teachers who opened my eyes to the world of engineering; they were my inspiration.”
“For me, it has been an absolute honour to represent the team on the podium.”
Red Bull Racing Principal Strategy Engineer, Hannah Schmitz
“In Qatar last season, it was incredible to be in the fight for the Drivers’ Championship. Witnessing the way everyone came together as a team was something very special to be a part of,” said Schmitz.
This is a first for the sport, as historically, turns are named after the well-known men who have been part of F1 in various capacities.
“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,” shared Katherine Richards, Engineers Australia Chief Engineer.
“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,” said Richards.
Main Photo Caption: TGR Haas Team race engineer Laura Mueller and Red Bull Racing principal strategy engineer Hannah Schmitz are to be honoured when the Albert Park Circuit’s Turn 6 will be named after them for their contributions to FI, in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season starter in Australia on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Hannah Schmitz is known to have been influential in the Red Bull’s squad’s successes in their 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
Photo 3 Caption: Laura Mueller became the first full-time race engineer in F1 when she began her role as race engineer for Haas driver Esteban Ocon.
