In a landmark move for gender recognition in motorsports, the Australian Grand Prix has announced the permanent renaming of Turn Six at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit to ‘In Her Corner.’ This historic decision coincides with the 2026 season opener falling on International Women’s Day, March 8th, creating a powerful symbolic gesture.
The corner dedication honors two pioneering female engineers who have shattered glass ceilings in Formula 1: Laura Mueller, Race Engineer for Esteban Ocon at Haas F1 Team, and Hannah Schmitz, Head of Race Strategy at Red Bull Racing. Mueller made history in 2025 by becoming the first full-time female race engineer in F1, serving as the critical communication link between driver and team. Schmitz, with Red Bull since 2009, has been instrumental in crafting championship-winning strategies during the team’s dominant 2022 and 2023 seasons, earning her place as one of only eleven women to ever stand on an F1 podium.
This initiative represents a significant departure from tradition, as circuit corners are typically named after legendary drivers or historical figures. The collaboration between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation aims to inspire future generations by showcasing female achievement in STEM fields. Laura Mueller emphasized the importance of visibility, stating, ‘The ‘In Her Corner’ initiative promotes the importance of ‘if you can see it, you can be it’—highlighting women’s accomplishments in engineering is crucial for progress.’
The renamed corner will serve as a permanent tribute during the March 6-8 event, aligning with International Women’s Day’s broader mission to celebrate achievements and advocate for gender equality across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.