Huge potential change in how iconic Melbourne F1 Grand Prix is run

Formula One Grand Prix race chiefs want to make the Melbourne GP bigger and better, potentially extending the event — and even stretching it to the CBD.

Melbourne’s iconic Formula One Grand Prix would become a week-long event that takes over the CBD under plans to extend its success.

Talks are under way between Melbourne City Council and Grand Prix bosses to attract hundreds of thousands of people for a week of celebration, with dedicated F1 fan zones, temporary street closures, collaborations with restaurants, and driver and team principal appearances.

Australian Grand Prix chief executive Travis Auld confirmed race chiefs wanted to expand the event into the CBD, activating areas such as Federation Square, Docklands and city streets to make the most of the record crowds that now packed the track.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece and Damian Snell in Flinders Lane. Picture: Tony Gough

“One of the key objectives of the corporation is to drive value for Melbourne and for Victoria more generally, and so we need to keep thinking about how we do that outside of ­Albert Park,’’ Mr Auld said.

“The popularity of the event now – with 450,000 people ­attending this year – it just feels like there is an opportunity to better capitalise on the interest and energy that has been ­created.

“While we have 130,000 people on Friday, Saturday and Sunday who leave the circuit and a lot of them will head into the city, I think we can work better together to extend the event into the CBD.’’

Next year’s Melbourne F1 race will expand to take over the streets and lanes of the CBD. Picture: Tony Gough

Options being discussed ­include the establishment of F1 team precincts in the CBD and temporarily renaming streets and laneways to honour racing teams, such as turning Flinders Lane into Ferrari Lane and Lygon St into Leclerc St.

Restaurants would tap into those themed areas, possibly with outdoor dining.

City cinemas screening Grand Prix movies, and dedicated walks from St Kilda Rd to the circuit are also being considered in moves supported by the city council and business groups.

There are also suggestions of an F1 car being raced through Melbourne streets.

Grand Prix chiefs are looking at how best celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula One. Picture: Tony Gough

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he was eager to see Melbourne “buzzing” again.

“Not just with the revs of the F1 cars, but also the ringing of cash registers for our local restaurants, bars and shops,” he said.

“I love this race and I will work with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to see what the City of Melbourne can do to make it a week-long celebration of motorsport and everything that makes our city great.

More than half the people who attend the event are from outside of Victoria. Picture: Getty Images

“Changing Federation Square to Piastri Piazza for the week, as well as activating different parts of our city – like Docklands, Southbank and Carlton – to represent the F1 teams and attract big crowds across our city are just some of the ideas we can really get ­behind.

“Melbourne reclaiming the first race on the GP calendar is a huge opportunity to make next year’s event really special.”

With Melbourne next year hosting the season opening race. The Sunday Herald Sun can also reveal Grand Prix chiefs are looking at how best celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula One, with public events to be staged on and off the track.

Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association deputy chairman Chris Lucas said he was thrilled to support the bold plan.

“Every restaurant I’m sure will adopt their favourite team and colours and turn Melbourne’s famous streets into a festival of outdoor European-style dining,” he said.

“I will be grabbing my Ferrari shirt and can’t wait to turn Flinders Lane into downtown Milan with Grill Americano serving espresso and its world-famous tiramisu and lots of ­delicious pasta.”