The Australian Grand Prix has confirmed that Turn 6 at Albert Park will be renamed “In Her Corner” ahead of the opening round of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship on 8 March, aligning the initiative with International Women’s Day.
The move recognises the impact of women currently shaping Formula 1 and forms part of a new collaboration between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
The programme is designed to promote greater participation in engineering and STEM disciplines by highlighting visible role models within the sport.
TGR Haas F1 Team race engineer Laura Mueller has been named as one of the first figures to be recognised. Mueller, race engineer to Esteban Ocon, joined TGR Haas F1 Team in 2022 and became Formula 1’s first full time female race engineer ahead of the 2025 season.
Hannah Schmitz, principal strategy engineer for Red Bull Racing, is also honoured under the initiative.
Celebrating visible role models in Formula 1
Katherine Richards, Chief Engineer at Engineers Australia, outlined the purpose behind the campaign: “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. 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.”
Mueller welcomed the recognition and stressed the importance of representation within the sport: “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.
“To be a part of this acknowledgement so early on in my Formula 1 career is an honor, and I hope it motivates girls and young adults to pursue a career in STEM. It’s important to recognize women’s accomplishments in motorsport so far, and it’s great to be alongside Hannah for this.”
Schmitz the genius behind many Verstappen wins
Schmitz added: “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.
“I was always curious about how things work and loved cars. At school I had some amazing support and encouragement from teachers that 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. 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.”
The 2026 Formula 1 season will begin at Albert Park in Melbourne from 6 to 8 March, with Turn 6 carrying its new name as the championship gets underway.