Hold on tight because the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix is back at Albert Park, setting hearts racing and gearing up for another year of record attendance, backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined representatives from the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to celebrate one of Melbourne's premier events, with this year's event on track to draw a record-breaking attendance.
With tickets for today's event selling out in a matter of hours, thousands of fans have already packed Albert Park to enjoy the action on and off the track. Last year more than 444,000 people streamed through the gates over the four days - bringing fans from across Victoria, interstate and overseas to the heart of Melbourne.
All eyes are on the Aussies this year. It's the first time since 2013 that two Australian drivers have made the starting grid with homegrown hero Oscar Piastri and favourite Daniel Ricciardo set to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Formula 2 and Formula 3 are back after debuting in 2023, with Australian F3 drivers Christian Mansell and Tommy Smith taking on their second seasons in the support series.
As Australian drivers dominate on track, an epic line-up of global and home-grown artists continue to delight fans off the track too, with superstar Amy Shark and local favourites Jet and Vanessa Amorosi as well as The Presets and Empire of the Sun performing over the four days.
Fans can also enjoy food and wine from some of the biggest names in Victoria's iconic restaurant scene.
The Formula 1® Grand Prix is big business for Victoria, with last year's event generating $268 million in economic value and creating more than 1,149 full-time equivalent jobs.
All eyes are set on Melbourne when the Grand Prix comes to town, with almost 3 million Australians and millions more around the globe tuning in to watch the race in the heart of Melbourne.
Victoria's enviable calendar of major events gives locals the chance to enjoy world-class culture, sports and entertainment and generates more than $3.3 billion in economic value annually.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"The Australian Formula 1® Grand Prix puts Melbourne on the global map year after year, with hundreds of thousands of race fans cheering trackside and millions more watching across the globe."
"Our enviable roster of major events gives everyone a chance to experience world-class motorsport and enjoy our world-class hotels, restaurants and bars while creating a major boost for jobs, small and large businesses alike."
As stated by Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld
"It's an incredibly exciting time for Australian motorsport with so much talent across the categories, and we couldn't be prouder to host the Formula 1 back here in Melbourne, the events capital of Australia.''
