Why Australia Is the Best Grand Prix on the F1 Calendar

In episode one of our new series, contributor Katy Fairman chats to Melbourne local and motorsport content creator Luke Sammut, to learn why he thinks Albert Park is the greatest addition to the calendar, as the circuit gears up to host the season opener this weekend.

Living in West Melbourne, Luke was never far from the action when Formula 1 came to town. However, despite it being on his doorstep, it wasn’t until 2020 when he discovered the world of racing and quickly became hooked.

As Netflix's Drive to Survive boomed, colleagues and cousins told him to give F1 a try and, soon after discovering the sport Luke and his family booked tickets to the following year’s Australian Grand Prix.

Unfortunately, the event was cancelled, but that didn’t stop Luke from returning for the next three years. His take on why he thinks the Australian Grand Prix is the best race on the F1 calendar is below:

‘My Favourite Day Ever at an F1 Track’

“I'm not so much of a new fan anymore, but I'm newer than a lot of the people who've been watching for ages,” Luke explains.

“I started in 2020, kind of in sync with the boom of Drive to Survive, but not directly because of it.

“After watching the season-opener in Austria, I was sold and bought tickets to the Australian Grand Prix. I went for the whole weekend in 2022, but Thursday was my first day. There are no cars on track, but I still think that was my favourite day at any F1 race ever, because of the ‘Melbourne Walk’.”

This long stretch sees drivers go from the car park to the paddock, but not without stopping for hundreds of signatures and selfies with fans. It’s one of the most unique offerings the race has and always delivers some great content for social as well as unforgettable moments for the fans.

“It’s the only way for the drivers to get into the paddock, and it’s where all the fans line up,” says Luke.

“Me and a few mates stood there all day just waiting for drivers to come out. Good luck trying to get a spot, though!”

‘The Best Corner on the Calendar’

Having enjoyed the race from general admission, Luke knows where the top spots to watch are from.

“This might be a big call, but I think the Turn 9-Turn 10 section is the best corner of any on the calendar,” says Luke.

“There’s a nice grandstand on the outside there, but next to that is general admission on the inside and the outside.

“The cars basically go flat through there and it’s the best spot to stand. If you find yourself there, you need to stay for even half a session like free practice!”

‘Public Transport Makes Everything Easy’

Being a street circuit in the middle of a busy city makes Albert Park pretty easy to get to. Hailing from the suburbs of West Melbourne, Luke was able to get a “30 minute train” into the circuit each day.

“We used to live right next to a train station, so it was very, very easy. Then last year when I stayed in the city, you could walk to the tram stop, catch a tram for 15 minutes, and you're there.

“But no matter where I'm sleeping that night, I always make an effort to get to the city centre and Southern Cross station. Everything is decked out with Formula 1, including the trams, and it creates a buzz starting 15 minutes away from the track.

“There's a merchandise stand right next to the train station with people buying their favourite teams merch – it’s like a sea of colours!”

In addition to the public transport, Luke praised the event organisation and how smoothly things were run to make for a polished weekend year after year.

‘Four Seasons in One Day’

“Melbourne is notorious for having four seasons in a day, so you have to pack for all terrain!” explains Luke.

“Yet, for the eight or so days I have been at races, it only rained for half a day and the rest was sunshine. It’s like the weather knows when the Grand Prix is in town!

“It’s such a special venue for a race, with so many things to see and do from inside the circuit.

“When the sun is out, there's a water bridge that you can use to get through to the inner track. It has the perfect view of Melbourne, like the Central Business District and the high rises. So when fans go, they should make a point to go there as well when the sun's out over Albert Park Lake.”

City of Culture

As a result of being nestled in the heart of Melbourne, there are also plenty of beautiful bars and top restaurants you can visit before or after a day at the track.

Whether you’re wanting a taste of the finest coffee Australia has to offer – with one local cafe being ranked fourth best in the world – or fancy a pit stop of your own with a burger and beverage, there’s somewhere for everyone.

“In terms of the food and drink at the Grand Prix, there's also food vans everywhere. You can stop by a bar and get a drink if you like, but there's no shortage of food or drink at all,” says Luke.