The Australian Grand Prix has honoured Formula 1 engineers Hannah Schmitz and Laura Mueller by renaming Turn 6 at Albert Park as part of its In Her Corner initiative.
The program, launched in partnership with Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, celebrates the contribution of women in engineering ahead of International Women’s Day.
Red Bull’s Principal Strategy Engineer, Schmitz, and Haas race engineer, Mueller, become the latest figures to be recognised at one of F1’s most iconic venues.
Schmitz joined Red Bull in 2009 as a modelling and strategy engineer before progressing through the team’s strategy department. She became senior strategy engineer in 2011 and was promoted to principal strategy engineer in 2021.
The Briton has since become one of the most visible strategists on the F1 pit wall and is among a small group of women to have collected a constructors’ trophy on the F1 podium.
“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,” Schmitz said.
“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’s rise in Formula 1 has come more recently.
The German joined Haas in 2022 working in the simulator department before moving into trackside roles.
She became a performance engineer in 2024 and stepped up to race engineer for Esteban Ocon ahead of the 2025 season.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mueller highlighted the wider impact of visibility 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,” she said.
“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.”
Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards said the initiative aims to highlight leadership and innovation within the profession.
“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,” Richards said.
“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.”
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