Celebrity sightings at Albert Park for F1 Australian Grand Prix
A swarm of celebs joined a huge crowd on Saturday to enjoy the final qualifying in the Australian F1 Grand Prix. See the pictures.
Fiona Byrne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Fiona Byrne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Team Melbourne turned out in force on Saturday for final qualifying in the Australian F1 Grand Prix.
A massive crowd of 136,347 flooded Albert Park, a record for a Saturday attendance at the F1 carnival.
As the first race of the 2025 Grand Prix calendar, the Australian Grand Prix was filled with a sense of excitement and expectation by drivers and teams and Formula 1 aficionados.
Ferrari’s superstar Lewis Hamilton was given a sweet welcome to Melbourne with a fan giving him a packet of Tim Tams as he arrived at the F1 garages.
Zak Brown, chief executive officer of McLaren Racing, was called over by supporters to sign caps and polo shirts on his way into the pits.
Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff, arrived at the F1 paddock on two wheels, zipping in on an electric scooter.
Meanwhile, a tradition has continued.
Oscar Piastri’s grandmother has a tradition of making rum balls – minus the rum – for her grandson and the McLaren team when they are in Australia for the F1.
Last year she ended up making hundreds for the team after they went down a treat.
This year she has been off the mark early.
The rum balls along with her equally delicious homemade lamingtons were delivered to the team on Friday.
Celebrities were at every turn and were packed into the American Express Lounge and Pit Lane Suites.
Eric Bana, Paul Dainty, Paul Stoddart, Chris and Rebecca Judd, Rebecca Harding, Ariarne Titmus, Kyle Chalmers, Sam Docherty, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Conor Nash, Sam Durham, Ben Hobbs, Tom De Koening, Jesse and Marc Murphy, Dale Thomas, Jobe Watson, Sam Docherty, Jennifer Keyte and Darren Palmer were entrenched in the race day action.
Palmer, a judge on The Block, let slip that this was the first year that The Block contestants would be building five identical houses. The Block is currently filming its 21st season in the Victorian tourist township of Daylesford. Unlike in past seasons where old houses have formed the basis of The Block renovations, this year the houses are being built from scratch.
Australian Grand Prix Chairman Martin Pakula was everywhere as was Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld.
Victorian Chamber boss Paul Guerra mingled with Melbourne event and business leaders in the State Government Pit Lane suite, as did former Premier of Victoria John Brumby and current minister for sport, tourism and major events, Steve Dimopoulos.
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes was spotted taking a tour behind the F1 garages, while acting Police Commissioner Rick Nugent was glimpsed in the Pit Suite area.
Peter Phillips, son of Princess Ann, was seen in the F1 paddock.
Other well-known names soaking up the drama and thrill of F1 were Toni and Mark Skaife, croissant queen Kate Reid, celebrity chef Khanh Ong, Rozalia Russian, Lauren Phillips and Paul O’Brien, Troy and Sophia Barbagallo, Vincent Fantauzzo, Olivia Molly Rogers, Rebecca Maddern and Abbey Holmes.
Mick Doohan and his wife Selina and their daughter, Allexis, were guests of Mercedes. It is a huge weekend for the family with Mick and Selina’s son Jack, driving for Alpine.
Actor Daniel MacPherson and model Paris Bishop were also enjoying the lavish hospitality at the Mercedes Lounge.
Popping into the Shark Beauty salon in the American Express Lounge to have her hair done by celebrity hairdresser Joey Scandizzo before the day got underway was Oscar Piastri’s partner, Lily Zneimer.
Others making the most of the Shark Beauty hair bar were Akec Makur Chuot, Amy Pejkovic, Izzy Armitage, Sam Guggenheimer and Snezana and Eve Wood.
Join the conversation
‘Incredibly proud’ mum opens up on Oscar’s wild ride
The mum of Melbourne F1 star Oscar Piastri has spoken of her pride in her son’s achievements on and off the track as he strives to make history at Albert Park.
Read more
Celebrities descend on Toorak for exclusive Grand Prix celebration
Champagne corks popped and vintage bubbles flowed as VIP guests enjoyed a black tie dinner at a private trophy home in Toorak to celebrate the Grand Prix. See who made the guest list.
Read more