All the big names trackside at the Grand Prix
Former Carlton president Luke Sayers made a surprise appearance at Albert Park alongside famous faces and powerbrokers. This is what he had to say on the infamous social media post that forced him to resign.
Confidential
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Glamour, business, social and political worlds combined as a pit lane length of celebrities and VIP guests descended on the rain soaked Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
In the Paddock Club’s Chairman’s Suite, where powerbrokers and big names huddled, was a surprise guest in former Carlton president Luke Sayers.
Forced to resign after a now infamous ‘dick pic’ saga, Sayers was back from his Italian sojourn sporting a tan and a broad smile as he emerged publicly on the invite of Grand Prix Chairman Martin Pakula.
He brought along former footy favourite Paul Salmon and mingled with the likes of VRC Chairman Neil Wilson, deputy Victorian Liberal leader Sam Groth and celebrity chefs Shannon Bennett and Matt Moran.
Sayers replied “I’m doing okay” when asked how he’s travelling, saying he’s here until Wednesday but it’s unclear if he and wife Cate are headed back to their holiday home in Lucca, Northern Italy.
Close by, deep conversations were had between financial heavyweights Ben Gray, Matthew Grounds and John Wylie.
Billionaire Heloise Pratt dropped in to say hello to Eddie McGuire after she attended Saturday night’s Visy event at Raheen where DJ Mark Ronson and Air Supply performed.
McGuire was carrying a broad grin after Collingwood’s large win on Saturday night, chatting with Magpies legend Peter Moore and his son Darcy, the Collingwood captain and Grand Prix ambassador.
“As inclement as the weather may be, the joy and sunshine of last night’s demolition of Port and Carlton’s demise on Thursday night made for a perfect weekend,’’ McGuire said. “All we need is for Oscar to win.”
Actor Rachel Griffiths, with daughter Clementine, said she was excited for “wet carnage” after handing her umbrella to someone else in need.
Hollywood actor Channing Tatum was there on the down low with his Melbourne born model girlfriend Inka Williams, watching on in the Casa Ferrari suite.
Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes was spotted lining up with regular corporate guests for the pit lane walk.
Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner and her predecessor Linda Dessau were also spotted in the place to be the Chairman’s Suite, as was Treasury Wine CEO Tim Ford, Lord Mayor Nick Reece, Tabcorp boss Gillon McLachlan, businessmen Gerry and Andy Ryan and Larry Kestelman, plus John Bertrand, Stuart Fox and Nathan Lyon.
Many were congratulating Matt Gudinski and wife Cara McDonald who have just welcomed their baby daughter. Asher Keddie and artist husband Vincent Fantauzzo arrived during the race.
Media heavyweights included Herald Sun editor Sam Weir and his wife Miriam and HWT Chairman Penny Fowler and her husband Grant, along with author and columnist Joe Aston and Financial Review editor James Chessell.
Overheard was a new buzz greeting: “You look skinny, what have you been doing?”
All of this took place as Oscar Piastri’s family huddled around a television screen nervously watching on with former Grand Prix chief Andrew Westacott and his wife Tina.
Celebrity chef Curtis Stone was in the Champions Suite along with soccer great Tim Cahill, while sporty spice Mel C got her hair styled by Joey Scandizzo and make up touched up by Jade Kisnorbo in the Shark Beauty style suite.
Politicians including Premier Jacinta Allan, Ben Carroll and Steve Dimopoulos were all hosting guests in the Victoria Suite.
White Lotus actor Alexandra Daddario was in the Louis Vuitton suite as well as the Red Bull garage.
Melbourne ‘it’ girl Mila Mary and her billionaire cryptocurrency partner Bijan Tehrani, the co-owner of the Kick Sauber team with Ed Craven, flew in late after attending the Noosa wedding of Ruby Brownless.
Many kept dry at the Mercedes-AMG Lounge with guests including Cadel Evans and wife Stefania Zandonella, Travis Fimmel and Scott and Alex Pendlebury.
Dialling up the glamour on a soggy day in the AMEX Lounge as guests of St Hugo were Jessie Murphy, Lana Wilkinson, Effie Kats and Bec Judd.
Also spotted there were Collingwood stars Isaac Quaynor and Pat Lipinski, Elliot Garnaut, Jelena Dokic, Aaron and Amy Finch and Pip Edwards. Rebecca Harding looked Grand Prix chic while fiance Andy Lee took along his nephew.
Brooke Warne and Annalise Dalins attended the Grand Prix with Shark Beauty.
“I want to get into it more and watch Drive to Survive,’’ Warne said.
“It’s so cool to have the opportunity to go and there’s a place for everyone.”
Dalins, who walked the grid pre-race with fiance and Collingwood star Josh Daicos, said F1 was a vibe.
“It’s a jam packed weekend of sport and it’s very fun,’’ she said. “It’s great to see everyone push the boundaries and take fashion to a new level.”
Also at the Grand Prix were Nadia Bartel with Peroni, Jess Gomes, Sophie Monk, Brooke Hogan, Charlie Curnow, Marcus Bontempelli and Fox Footy host Jordan Lewis.
Hollywood actor Liam Neeson pulled out of a planned visit just before the race began, while rumours swirled over pop star Dua Lipa’s non appearance.
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