Former Spice Girl zips in for a slice of Formula One action
A former Spice Girl is set to light up the Grand Prix on Sunday as celebrities descend on Melbourne ahead of the Albert Park race.
Confidential
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The Fast Lane is your stop for all the gossip and glamour in the lead-up to the Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
Sporty Spice Melanie C is jetting in to rev up Grand Prix Sunday with a special appearance.
The former Spice Girls singer turned DJ will attend the Formula One race day at Albert Park before hitting the decks at the Don Julio 1942 After Race Party, hosted at Marmont at Crown Melbourne.
The A-List entertainer will join Melbourne DJ Set Cut Copy, with other high-profile guests, including Scott Tweedie, Pip Edwards, Bec Judd, Nadia Bartel and Josh Heuston.
Actor Channing Tatum, who is dating Australian-born model Inka Williams, may also drop in after the race.
Mel C was spotted in Sydney last week at the SCG watching on as the Hawks beat Sydney in the season opening match.
She’s been dating Australian model Chris Dingwall since at least the middle of last year after they went public with an outing at Wimbledon.
The Brit will join American singer-songwriter Richard Marx, former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating and returning coach, Australian Kate Miller-Heidke on the coaching panel for The Voice 2025 for Channel 7.
She attended the Melbourne Cup Carnival last year to DJ and has been performing around Australia.
Meanwhile the stars stepped out in force to set the tone for the weekend at the Bar Bambi x Patrón Grand Prix Pre-Party on Thursday night. Guests included Bec Judd, Ellie Gonsalves, Nick Giannopoulos, David Zaharakis, Jessie Roberts, Brooke McAuley and Nick and Rozalia Russian.
Red Bull drivers embrace Aussie culture
Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson donned an Akubra and a mullet as they familiarised themselves with some true Australian culture on Thursday.
Chatting with Fox Footy host and former Tigers star Jack Riewoldt, the star pair took time out from focusing on the track for some fun.
“That hair looks so ridiculous on you,” Verstappen said to his mulleted rookie teammate.
When Riewoldt asked if they knew what some Aussie terms meant, Verstappen quipped to New Zealander Lawson, “Shouldn’t you know these things?”
Lawson replied: “I’m not Australian.”
Riewoldt said he had enjoyed “a bit of banter”.
“They’re not the biggest of footy fans, but it won’t stop them tuning in (to Fox Footy),” he said. “Max is about to have a baby so I asked about that.”
Riewoldt is part of Super Saturday’s hosting crew on Fox Footy, the only place to watch AFL on Saturdays.
For the record, Verstappen replied to the question about fatherhood with this: “I’m excited of course, but at the same time I’m very relaxed about it. I did get a bit of practice with my girlfriend already having a daughter, so you get to experience that already. My sister has a lot of kids; my dad, after myself and my sister, went on another production run. There are a lot of kids around and definitely I have changed a few nappies – and they smell.”
Lawson said he couldn’t be happier to be back in Melbourne.
“More excited than anything to get into it, I know it’s going to be a massively hard year but a lot of preparation getting it ready and I just want to go racing,’’ he said.
“I think that Max, no matter what, he’ll be pushing the car as far as it’s capable. Where we are compared to other cars is hard to know right now... relative to the others we’re quite close.”
He said Verstappen was happy to offer advice if asked for it.
“He’s always been good,’’ Lawson said. “As much as people will be surprised, he’s super nice to talk to and for me it’s a great opportunity to learn from him.
“I love racing here but I’m proud to be from New Zealand. My girlfriend thought I was from part of Australia when I first met her, she’s from California.”
The only place to watch the Australian Grand Prix and every F1 race is on Kayo Sports.
Russell learns new tricks from Mercedes rookie
Accomplished Mercedes driver George Russell has opened up on his relationship with rookie driver Kimi Antonelli ahead of their debut together in Melbourne this weekend.
Russell joined the 18 year-old for a special event at the Mercedes-AMG Lounge on Thursday night.
“He’s taught me some swear words in Italian, not sure if that will make us faster on track,’’ Russell said.
“And hand gestures as well, very important. Kimi is such a great driver and when you’re 18 years-old you’ve got the speed or you haven’t. As time goes on for myself when I think back to when I was his age you just want to win. There’s challenges... and he’s got the speed and he’s going to be keeping me on my toes this year and we’re going to have a great season getting Mercedes back on top.”
Antonelli said he’s had a chance to travel and gain a better understanding of what it takes to be a Formula One driver “which is not only driving the best and fastest cars in the world”.
“There’s always something you think you can learn,’’ he added.
Russell said it would be a memorable moment for Antonelli as they move on from his era alongside Lewis Hamilton.
“It’s such a proud moment because regardless of the result it’s going to be a dream come true and an achievement in your career because every single driver dreams of getting to the Formula One,’’ Russell said.
“I qualified 19th in my first race so I don’t know if I was crying from disappointment or proudness, but it is such an achievement. But then your goals are always moving on. It’s like you’re climbing a ladder. First podium, first win, first championship. You win one, you want another. It’s what I saw in Lewis and (Mercedes team chief) Toto (Wolff).”
Hamilton shows he means business
Lewis Hamilton appears to have entered his Goodfellas era suited dressing.
The Ferrari driver meant business, wearing head-to-toe black and bringing his trademark trackside style to the Albert Park paddock on Thursday for the first day of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Shirtless, the Ferrari driver is credited with creating gridwalk fashion, looking resplendent in a designer black suit from luxury brand Jacquemus paired with oh-so-in heeled boots and dark sunglasses.
It brought shades of his now iconic all black suited look on his first day with the supremo Italian car maker last month.
Hamilton later swapped the all black ensemble for Ferrari red as he posed for driver photos in the pits before the first practice on Friday.
Credited as the best dressed athlete in the world, with pole position as co-chair of this year’s Met Gala which is themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, Hamilton’s trackside looks have evolved over the years, from his high end streetwear designer urban looks to today’s edgy tailoring. All class.
‘A young kid living his dream’
Award-winning artist Vincent Fantauzzo hasn’t had much sleep but he’s wide-eyed with pride after completing his latest portrait of Australian Formula One driver Oscar Piastri.
Fantauzzo painted the final stroke on Thursday afternoon before unveiling the two masterpieces at Government House that night.
“I was pretty much working 16 hours a day to get it done,” Fantauzzo said. “He came to me just before new years and he was originally coming for half an hour but he stayed for a while and we decided to hang out and talk about music and life and that’s when the images became not a photo shoot and more of a connection.
“He’s just a kid and his whole world and everyone in it is revolving around him. When we were really relaxed, there was a smile on his face, a sparkle of a young kid living his dream and that’s the image I chose.”
Piastri’s mum Nicole was there for the first look on Thursday night.
“He’s a kid in a massive position and probably the next world champion and I’m hoping his mum will recognise this face,” Fantauzzo said. “The plan really was to impress his mum and he’d appreciate that as well.”
Bottas holding on in reserve
Adopted Aussie Valtteri Bottas has opened up about his new Formula One role as a Mercedes reserve driver.
“Over the weekend I’ll still be in all the engineering meetings with the team,” Bottas said on Thursday.
“Keep up technically with the car and what other drivers are commenting and doing, and I’ll be trying to share my experience as well when I can. And to be here just in case.
“It’s going to be weird for sure on Sunday watching the race but so far it’s nice to be with the team I did spend five years with in the past.”
The Finnish driver has returned to Mercedes, the team he drove for between 2017 and 2021, and is supporting rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as well as George Russell.
Bottas, who is dating Australian Olympic cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, unveiled the G580 adventure track, which is two storeys high, that all guests can experience within the Mercedes-Benz facility at Albert Park.
“I won this race once in 2019 and it was a really great moment with Mercedes and it’s always a fun event,” Bottas said. “Knowing I won’t be racing this week is a different feeling and a bit more relaxed. It’s good to be part of it.”
Grand Prix after party revs up
The VIP Grand Prix after party has been revived with the fun to race on into the night on Sunday after the main race at Albert Park.
The Don Julio 1942 After Race Party will transform Marmont at Crown into a celebrity hotspot with the chequered flag to wave well into Monday morning.
“I started talking to the Grand Prix after the spring racing carnival last year,’’ said Marmont owner Grant Smillie, alongside stylist to the stars Lana Wilkinson.
“How do we come together and do a proper after party. We’ve already had Pierre Gasly in for dinner and other drivers, sometimes they don’t like to stick around but there’ll be a real buzz this year. There’s always been a lot of unofficial parties but we’re trying to push the partnership and be the home of the after party, particularly focusing on Crown. We’re going all out.”
The event marks a major milestone for Don Julio 1942, as it unveils its new 1942 Mini bottles. Names already confirmed to attend include Jess Gomes, Montana Cox, Bec Harding, Curtis Stone and potentially Channing Tatum.
‘We hate each other’
Lando Norris made his first appearance in Melbourne on Tuesday night, dishing the inside word on his relationship with teammate, Australian Oscar Piastri.
Despite reports that the McLaren drivers’ rivalry is intensifying, Norris said the pair gets on well and he admires the Melbourne-born star’s calm temperament.
“I don’t feel the support (here) because they’re all supporting for Oscar,’’ he said at a Ralph Lauren fragrances event at the Stokehouse in St Kilda.
“And normally because I’ve beaten him, so it doesn’t help.
“As much as we (all) hate each other when you’re on track, we’re competitors, we get along, even between myself and Oscar. We don’t have many interests outside Formula One. We only talk about racing and that’s about it.
“We know at the end of the day there’s nothing more we love for both of us than to beat one another. We want to enjoy every minute and push each other and be competitors and be teammates. It’s not always the easiest compromise.” With both Daniel and with Oscar, both great Australians, I’ve enjoyed my time a lot.
Norris said Piastri seemed to him to be “more European than Australian now, in terms of his use of language”.
“I don’t know how he looks so relaxed and calm 24/7,’’ he said.
“Inside he’s a bit of a beast and he’s quite scary sometimes. He definitely has his moments. Even when I get so annoyed about something his reaction is just very calm.”
Norris, speaking as the face of Polo Red, said he was still close friends with former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.
“Daniel is one of the best guys I’ve ever met in my life,’’ he said.
“He’s cute. I spent a lot of time with him and I still talk to him and he’s here this weekend so I’ll go and say hi.”
Norris spoke to a star-studded crowd, including Josh Daicos and Annalise Dalins, Bec Harding, Tom and Emma Hawkins, Angelina Censori, Rory Lobb and Lexi Mary, Brooke Warne, Brendan Fevola and Hannah Dal Sasso with her new partner Rupert McLean.
There was drama when Norris was on stage with host Lauren Phillips and a guest fainted due to the heat. He immediately went to help and made sure she was attended to.
The female guest was treated at the venue and was reported to be OK on Wednesday morning.
Doohan’s track dreams come true
Australia’s son of a gun Jack Doohan has raced into Melbourne with big dreams and big plans for his career in Formula One.
The Alpine rookie, son of five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, made his F1 race debut for the team in last year’s season-ending race in Abu Dhabi.
Showing poise and calm, Doohan said he was excited to race in front of his home crowd.
“I like Melbourne, I drove here two years ago in Formula Two so I know this track and it’s one I dreamt of racing in anything let alone Formula One,’’ he said at his first Melbourne outing for Vispring luxury beds in Armadale.
“I have a great group of people around me to keep my feet on the ground and make sure that this weekend goes as smoothly as possible. I just look forward to getting down to the driving part.
“For sure it’s the first part of my dream come true. I want to be a Formula One driver but I also want to be a Formula One race winner and a future Formula One world champion. The ceiling can always be raised but my dream was to be a Formula One driver and this is the start.”
Doohan just had some time at home on the Gold Coast with family after pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The 22 year-old, who also shared his winning formula for sleep, said his dad had given him sound advice.
“He’s taught me everything, it’s a different sport two wheels and I’ve got four, but the discipline of becoming an elite athlete and an elite performer and a champion — the foundation is the same. I owe him everything and also my family.”
Mick said he was proud of Jack’s hard work and determination.
“I haven’t seen him in F1 yet, it’s a very proud moment,’’ Mick said.
“Jack’s extremely prepared and he’s very talented so I’m confident in his ability but there’s so many unknown factors in every aspect of life and motorsport is no different.
“Jack has put in the work without a shadow of a doubt, there’s only 20 drivers in the world and to get there is no mean feat. The dedication he’s put in to get himself there is an amazing achievement. We’re proud of what he’s been able to do and now the real work begins for him.”
Percat shifts gears for Glamour on the Grid
Supercars driver Nick Percat and his model fiancee Baylee Mullen are living life in the fast lane with a hot date set for Glamour on the Grid at Albert Park on Wednesday night.
“To swap the race suit for a black tie suit is really cool and we don’t get to do that too often,’’ Percat said.
“It’s nice to go to these events, especially when the partners can be the main stars of the show.”
Percat and Mullen, represented by Brooklyn Management, will be styled by Bianca Rose in Madoh and MJ Bale.
“Once you’re in the garage you’re in race mode so this is a nice change,’’ Mullen said.
“I like seeing Nick do well and it’s stressful at times, but fun.
“I have done a few hot laps and he tries to scare me and goes way too fast.”
Percat, who drives for Matt Stone Racing, said Glamour on the Grid presented by Crown had become his traditional F1 lead-in.
It brings together VIPs, celebrities, actors, models, TV and sporting stars and is the most sought after-party ticket in town.
Hawkins feels the buzz
Tom Hawkins hasn’t lived life in the slow lane since retiring from footy.
The Geelong great and wife Emma will be trackside at the Grand Prix this week ahead of Hawkins’ debut as a commentator with Fox Footy on Super Saturday, at GMHBA Stadium for Geelong v Fremantle.
“It’s been lovely spending time with Emma and the kids and it’s been fun,” Hawkins said.
“I’m looking forward to giving viewers a different lens with Fox Footy and Em and I absolutely love the Grand Prix. You can certainly feel the buzz in Melbourne with all the great sporting events.”
The Hawkins will step out on Tuesday night at an evening with Ralph Lauren Fragrances and POLO Red to celebrate all things Formula One at the Stokehouse.
“There’s style and sophistication and it oozes international class,” Emma said of the Grand Prix.
Hot new couple races in
The world’s hottest new couple is expected to raise the celebrity stakes and race into Melbourne for this week’s Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
Hollywood actor Channing Tatum and his new girlfriend, Melbourne-born model Inka Williams, are believed to be on their way to Australia with Williams confirmed to attend the VIP Glamour on the Grid party on Wednesday night at Albert Park.
The couple’s romance was confirmed when they stepped out together at a pre-Oscars party earlier this month.
Williams, 25, who was raised in Bali, is an in-demand model with fashion brands clamouring to dress her for the Grand Prix’s showpiece party.
She is a guest of Glamour on the Grid presenting partner Crown and will attend the Crown Glam Suite on Wednesday, along with Bec Judd, Nadia Bartel, Jess Gomes and top model Valentina Attard who is flying in from LA for the event.
Other marquee guests set to attend include F1 WAGS, model Francisca “Kika” Cerqueira Gomes, the partner of Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, and influencer Hannah St John, the partner of Red Bull driver Liam Lawson.
The 600-strong guest list will fire up pit lane like never before with other confirmed guests including Cathy Freeman, Brooke and Jackson Warne, Ariarne Titmus, Nathan Lyon and Daniel Sanders.
In the first look of the Albert Park track on Monday, the reimagined culinary Melbourne Junction precinct and the American Express Lounge were unveiled.
Within Melbourne Junction is a MoVida restaurant hub presented by American Express, while the Lounge boasts three levels for the first time with a full track view from the third level Amex Lounge’s Centurion Suite for VIP guests.
It also features Atria dining spot presented by Ritz Carlton, Chill-ato treats by celebrity chef Khanh Ong, a Moet Chandon Bar, St Hugo wine area and a Beauty Hub with Shark Beauty, Mecca and hair stylist Joey Scandizzo.
“We have an incredible event ahead of us this year,” Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Travis Auld said.
“We’ve sold more tickets than last year, last year was a record 452,000 people. All going well we’ll break that record this year.
“We’ve got our own Oscar Piastri, a Melbourne boy, with high hopes of finishing towards the front of the race and maybe even on a podium. We’ve got Jack Doohan making his debut for his first season in F1. We’ve got a live site at Melbourne Park oval for the first time, a free event for fans to go along and enjoy everything we love about this race and so we’re very excited.
“What we pride ourselves on is being something for everyone. We’ve seen an incredible change in the demographics of this race. Forty five per cent of our attendees last year were female.”
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