What is F1’s ‘In Her Corner’ initiative? The story of Turn 6’s historic Women’s Day renaming

Melbourne: Formula One is set to mark International Women’s Day with a historic first at the Australian Grand Prix, as organisers announced that a corner of the iconic Albert Park circuit will be named in honour of two pioneering female engineers.

In a move timed to coincide with the March 8 global celebrations, Turn 6 will be dedicated to Haas race engineer Laura Mueller and Red Bull’s head of strategy, Hannah Schmitz. The "In Her Corner" initiative marks the first time in the sport's 76-year history that a circuit turn has been named for women, highlighting their rising influence in the once male-dominated paddock.

"The 'In Her Corner' initiative promotes the importance of 'if you can see it, you can be it,'" Mueller said. "The more we can all do to shine a light on the overall achievement of women in engineering is a great thing."

Accelerating Inclusion on the Grid

The announcement comes as the F1 community prepares for a high-octane Women’s Day weekend. Beyond the naming ceremony, a high-profile panel featuring F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Aston Martin ambassador Jessica Hawkins will convene on March 5 to discuss dismantling structural barriers for female talent in STEM and motorsport.

The push for representation extends to the track, where the F1 Academy, the all-female developmental series led by Susie Wolff, is gearing up for its 2026 season opener in Shanghai.

• New Talent: American teenager Payton Westcott recently unveiled a striking Mercedes-AMG livery for her debut campaign, while Scottish racer Rachel Robertson has been tapped by PUMA to join the grid following a standout rookie test.
• Global Pipeline: Wolff, recently honoured by CNBC for her leadership, continues to expand the series' reach, with the 2026 calendar featuring a debut at the British Grand Prix and a high-stakes finale on the Las Vegas Strip.

Engineering the Future

Schmitz, whose strategic brilliance was instrumental in Red Bull’s recent championship dominance, noted that the recognition is as much about the future as it is about the present. "I was always curious about how things work and loved cars," she said. "To be a part of this acknowledgement is an honour, and I hope it motivates girls to pursue a career in engineering."