Racing Bulls driver's partner stuns with $350K F1 track necklace at Australian GP event

Hannah St John, partner of Racing Bulls F1 reserve driver Liam Lawson, wore a custom diamond necklace valued at approximately $350,000 to the 'Glamour on the Grid' event in Melbourne. The unique piece, named 'La Velocita,' features the outlines of Formula 1 circuits crafted from nearly 1,800 diamonds.

Why it matters:

While driver performances dominate F1 headlines, the sport's glamorous off-track events and extravagant fashion moments are a significant part of its global appeal and celebrity culture. High-value, theme-specific jewelry like this highlights the intersection of luxury branding, fan engagement, and the opulent lifestyle associated with Grand Prix weekends.

The details:

• The necklace was sourced from Adelaide-based bespoke jeweler Martin Rogers to coincide with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
• Its creation required an estimated 250 to 300 hours of handcraft, utilizing roughly 25 carats of diamonds to form the intricate track layouts.
• St John attended the annual 'Glamour on the Grid' event, a pre-race gathering of drivers, celebrities, and public figures, where this year's theme was 'Precious Metals.'
• She expressed her delight on social media, posting, "Felt like an absolute princess," and thanking the event organizers.
• The piece quickly garnered attention online, with fans on Instagram praising it as "an incredible piece of art" and an "AMAZING" creation.

The big picture:

This moment underscores the 'show' aspect of the 'sport and show' business model that modern F1 actively cultivates. Events like Glamour on the Grid are designed to generate media buzz and attract a wider, fashion-conscious audience beyond the core racing fanbase, enhancing the sport's premium brand image and commercial appeal.

What's next:

Such high-profile fashion statements are likely to remain a staple at marquee F1 events, especially in glamorous destinations like Monaco, Miami, and Abu Dhabi. They set a precedent for increasingly creative and expensive displays of fandom and luxury, further blurring the lines between the paddock and the world of high fashion.