ORGANISERS of the Australian Grand Prix have announced a stunning change that is a first in Formula One’s 76-year history.

Australia will play host to the F1 2026 season opener at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 8.

F1 Grand Prix Of Australia: Preview
Australian Grand Prix organisers have announced an F1 first corner tribute at the season openerCredit: Getty
 


Red Bull strategy chief Hannah Schmitz is one of two women to have a corner named after herCredit: Getty
 


She is joined by fellow F1 pioneer Laura Mueller, who became F1’s first female full-time race engineer in 2025Credit: YouTube
The sport is introducing wholesale rule changes including new chassis, new power units, new engines and new aerodynamics.

However, organisers of the opening race have confirmed a change to the layout to the circuit.

For the first time in F1 history a corner is being named in honour of two women in a bid to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Red Bull strategy chief, Hannah Schmitz, and Haas race engineer for Esteban Ocon, Laura Mueller, have seen Turn 6 of the race track named after them.

The newly-named Mueller-Schmitz corner comes as part of the “In Her Corner” initiative, which coincides with International Women’s Day on the day of the grand prix.

A statement announcing the move from the Australian Grand Prix and Engineers Australia said: “As part of our In Her Corner initiative with Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Engineer’s Australia is proud to dedicate Turn 6 to Laura Mueller and Hannah Schmitz.

“For the first time in F1, a corner on a track will be named after women. Recognising the Engineers making motorsport happen.”

Schmitz, 40, was highlighted in her role last season after Max Verstappen‘s impressive comeback in the F1 drivers championship to challenge runaway McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The Dutchman won six of the final nine races in the season to come within two points of matching Michael Schumacher as the only drivers to win five titles in a row, having at one stage been 104 points adrift.

Originally from Croydon, University of Cambridge-educated and mum-of-two Schmitz was credited for a key part Red Bull’s dominance in the previous set of regulations as Verstappen reeled off four titles in a row.

Mueller meanwhile became the first full-time race engineer in F1 history when she started her role in 2025, with French F1 star Ocon praising her as “awesome” to work with.

The German engineer has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in automotive engineering from the Technical University of Munich.

A gap year in Australia sparked her interest in motorsports, where she has since become a trailblazer before she joined Haas in 2022, starting in the simulator department before moving into support roles at races and a performance engineer in 2024.

Reacting to the corner naming tribute, as quoted by the F1 website, Mueller said: “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 F1 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.”

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.”