The Australian Grand Prix has renamed Turn 6 at Albert Park Circuit after Red Bull's Hannah Schmitz and Haas' Laura Mueller, marking the first time women have had an F1 corner named in their honor. This initiative coincides with International Women's Day and aims to inspire future engineers. The renaming is part of the 'In Her Corner' partnership between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
The Australian Grand Prix, set to open the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship on March 8, will feature Turn 6 renamed 'In Her Corner' to celebrate Schmitz and Mueller. Schmitz, 40, joined Red Bull in 2009 as a modelling and strategy engineer, advancing to senior strategy engineer in 2011 and principal strategy engineer in 2021. She has been a key figure in the team's successes, including the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, and is one of only 11 women to accept the constructors' trophy on the F1 podium. Mueller joined Haas in 2022 in the simulator department, became a performance engineer in 2024, and took on the role of race engineer for Esteban Ocon in 2025, making her the first full-time female race engineer in F1 history.
Schmitz reflected on her career: "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."
Mueller emphasized visibility in STEM: "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 honour, and I hope it motivates girls and young adults to pursue a career in STEM. It’s important to recognise women’s accomplishments in motorsport so far, and it’s great to be alongside Hannah for this."
Katherine Richards, Engineers Australia chief engineer, stated: "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."
