Two of Formula 1’s most influential female engineers will make history at Albert Park next month, as part of a landmark initiative celebrating International Women’s Day and shining a spotlight on women in engineering.
For the first time in the sport’s history, a Formula 1 circuit corner will be named after women, with Turn 6 at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit to be dedicated to Laura Mueller and Hannah Schmitz during the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026.
Mueller, race engineer for the TGR Haas F1 Team, became the first full-time female race engineer in Formula 1 when she stepped into the role at the start of 2025. One of the most senior trackside positions in any team, the race engineer acts as the critical link between driver and factory, overseeing car performance, data interpretation and race execution.
Schmitz, head of race strategy for Oracle Red Bull Racing, is widely regarded as one of the sharpest strategic minds in pit lane. Her decisive calls have contributed to race wins and podiums, and she has been praised by drivers including Max Verstappen for her calmness under pressure.
The naming forms part of the “In Her Corner” initiative, a partnership between Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, designed to inspire the next generation of engineers in the lead-up to International Women’s Day on 8 March.
“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,” Mueller said.
Schmitz reflected on the importance of encouragement and curiosity in shaping her own pathway into engineering, crediting supportive teachers for opening her eyes to the profession.
Engineers Australia chief engineer Katherine Richards said the organisation was proud to see two women currently shaping Formula 1 recognised at one of the world’s most iconic circuits.
The initiative will also include a special International Women’s Day event at Albert Park on March 5, featuring Mueller and Schmitz alongside leading figures from across motorsport and engineering.
With International Women’s Day falling on race day itself in 2026, the tribute is intended to resonate far beyond the grandstands — reinforcing the message that engineering talent knows no gender, and that the next generation of female engineers belongs not just in the paddock, but at the very heart of Formula 1.