Excitement is building across the city as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix enters its second day, with the event - backed by the Allan Labor Government - on track to break attendance records yet again.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld to welcome fans through the gates for their first glimpse of F1 cars on the track, as the event races towards surpassing last year's record crowd of more than 452,000 fans.
Enthusiasm for the Grand Prix has reached fever pitch in recent weeks as it marks the first time Jack Doohan, son of motorsport legend Mick Doohan, will start the race alongside two-time winner and home-grown star Oscar Piastri.
Fans and families have been able to enjoy the excitement of the Grand Prix since Wednesday at the Crown Lakeside Festival, featuring performances from local artists Tones and I, Baker Boy, Anna Lunoe and Spiderbait, plus international superstar DJ Fatboy Slim.
The free family-friendly Fan Festival has also been up and running at Melbourne Park Oval since Wednesday.
With fun for F1 fans of all ages, the Fan Festival has featured appearances from sport stars, opportunities to get up close with an F1® show car, driver Q&A sessions, plus all the action straight from the track on the big screen.
Secured in Melbourne until 2037, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is a significant economic driver for Victoria and is one of the largest international sporting events in the southern hemisphere.
As of Monday, STR forward bookings show hotel occupancy at 94 per cent for the Grand Prix's Saturday night - 15 per cent higher than the same time last year.
The Grand Prix delivers a buzz like no other, right across the state - filling hotels, restaurants and bars, while backing local jobs and businesses. With proven economic benefits, it is a major driver in Victoria's enviable calendar of major events generating more than $3.3 billion in economic value each year.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix puts Melbourne at the centre of the sporting world year after year, and 2025 will be no exception. Hundreds of thousands of fans are flocking to Albert Park to be part of the excitement and there are millions more watching on TV across the globe."
"The Grand Prix is a yearly highlight of our major events calendar, drawing visitors from around the world who fill our local hotels, pubs and attractions."
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
"There's no better place for Formula 1 than right here in stunning Albert Park-this world-class event showcases our beautiful lakeside circuit to a massive global audience, bringing incredible energy to our local community and delivering a huge boost for local businesses."
As stated by Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld
"The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix brings global attention to Victoria, and we are incredibly proud of the world-class event we stage each year."
"Since fans started lining up at the gates in the early hours of Thursday morning, the atmosphere at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit has been phenomenal. Enthusiasm has been building for exciting on-track action and off-track entertainment and hospitality, with so much more to come this weekend."
