Formula 1 Honors Two Trailblazing Women by Naming Melbourne's Turn 6 After Them
A historic first is set for Formula 1 as Turn 6 at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit will bear the names of two pioneering women. The corner will honour Laura Müller and Hannah Schmitz, marking the first time in the sport's history that a track section has been named after female figures. The dedication coincides with the 2026 season opener on International Women's Day, March 8.
The In Her Corner initiative will officially rename Turn 6 three days before the Australian Grand Prix. Both Müller and Schmitz are expected to attend the unveiling ceremony. This move celebrates their groundbreaking contributions to the sport.
Laura Müller made headlines last year as Formula 1's first female race engineer, currently working with Haas driver Esteban Ocon. Meanwhile, Hannah Schmitz has been instrumental in shaping race strategies for Max Verstappen at Red Bull, contributing to his championship successes.
The decision to name the corner after them reflects a broader push to recognise women's achievements in motorsport. No other women have previously received this honour, making the dedication a landmark moment for the series.
The newly named corner will stand as a permanent tribute to Müller and Schmitz's influence in Formula 1. Their roles—one in engineering, the other in strategy—highlight the growing visibility of women in technical and leadership positions in the sport. The initiative also aligns with the sport's efforts to promote diversity ahead of the 2026 season.
