Andrew Westacott set to leave his role as Melbourne Grand Prix boss

As Formula One rides a wave of popularity, the man who has helped drive the success of the Albert Park race has made a surprising announcement.

Andrew Westacott has announced next year’s race – his 15th in charge – will be his last. Picture: Getty

Melbourne Grand Prix boss Andrew Westacott will stand down as chief executive after next year’s race, in a shock departure from the Formula One major event.

Mr Westacott has been behind the driver’s wheel of the Albert Park showpiece and Phillip Island MotoGP since 2011, helping lead the F1 event to unprecedented popularity.

His contract is locked in til the end of June and with F1 riding a global wave of popularity and a new two year deal for the race, it was widely thought he would extend his deal with the state government.

But Mr Westacott – one of only six people to fill the role since Melbourne’s first Grand Prix in 1996 – confirmed to the Herald Sun he would not seek a new term.

Mr Westacott has helped lead the Melbourne F1 event to unprecedented popularity. Picture: David Caird

Next year’s race – his 15th in charge – will be his last.

“It’s been a source of immense pride to be able to work for the Australian Grand Prix

Corporation for so many years,’’ he said.

“And to work so closely with the wonderful AGPC team and all those involved in our major events industry, including those at Formula One and MotoGP.”

Mr Westacott’s surprise departure comes as Melbourne’s contract to stage the race has been extended at Albert Park til at least 2037.

He said the time was right to depart the role, at a yet to-be-determined time between the conclusion of the 2023 Grand Prix from 30 March – April 2 and 30 June.

“Thirty events, a few cancellations along the way and record-breaking crowds in 2022 have

all provided special moments,’’ he said.

“The contrasting years between the start of Covid in 2020 and the way in which we opened

Melbourne to the sporting world in 2022 both produced massive memories that I’ll

remember forever.”

Sources said there was no obvious replacement internally for the $400,000 plus role at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and a global search for a suitable successor was likely.

Mr Westacott told F1 management in the UK of his decision on Thursday night.

He is the Grand Prix Corporation’s longest serving chief executive, working under all three of its chairmen, Ron Walker, John Harnden and Paul Little.

He also oversaw multiple contract extensions for the Melbourne Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Mr Little said Mr Westacott would leave one of Melbourne’s biggest major events in good shape.

“Andrew has led AGPC through a transformative period and is to be commended on his

outstanding contribution to motorsport and tourism in Victoria,’’ he said.

“He leaves AGPC positioned for continued global success and I wish him all the very best in

his future endeavours.”

This year’s Grand Prix was the first in its history to sell out, with a record estimated crowd of 419,144 passing through the gates for the four day event.

Next year’s race day sold out within hours of going on sale this month and Saturday’s general admission qualifying day tickets have also been exhausted.

Crowds will be capped at 130,000.