Australian GP names Turn 6 after engineers Laura Mueller and Hannah Schmitz

The Australian Grand Prix has named Turn 6 at Albert Park after two prominent female engineers, Haas's Laura Mueller and Red Bull's Hannah Schmitz, as part of the 'In Her Corner' initiative celebrating International Women's Day. The move highlights the growing recognition of women in Formula 1's technical and strategic fields, aiming to inspire future generations by making their achievements more visible.

Why it matters:

This symbolic gesture moves beyond tokenism by permanently etching the names of current, successful female engineers onto the F1 calendar. It provides tangible role models in a sport where women in senior technical roles are still underrepresented, directly supporting the initiative's core message: "if you can see it, you can be it." Recognizing such contributions on an iconic circuit underscores a shifting culture within the sport's engineering community.

The details:

• Hannah Schmitz: A key strategic mind at Red Bull since 2009, Schmitz was promoted to Principal Strategy Engineer in 2021. She is one of only 11 women to have stood on the F1 podium to accept the Constructors' trophy, a moment she described as "an absolute honour."
• Laura Mueller: Joining Haas in 2022, Mueller rapidly progressed from the simulator department to become Esteban Ocon's race engineer for the 2025 season. She sees the corner naming as a motivational tool for girls interested in STEM careers.
• The Initiative: 'In Her Corner' is a partnership between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Engineers Australia. It aims to celebrate and promote the visibility of women in engineering, technology, and business within the high-profile context of Formula 1.

What's next:

The permanent naming of Turn 6 serves as a lasting landmark for diversity in motorsport. The hope is that such visibility will continue to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue and thrive in engineering roles within F1 and beyond. As these role models gain recognition, the pipeline of female talent entering the sport's technical arena is expected to grow, gradually changing the face of Formula 1's engineering teams.