At speeds of over 300 km/h cars come rushing past; circuiting over public roads, vaulting through cricket fields and past bucolic lakes. The force in which these cars flash past leaves a trail of fiery sparks – a sudden burst of orangey-red fireworks – as metal fights against tarmac. These are all an indication that the world’s fastest supercars and their drivers have congregated in Melbourne for the start of the Formula 1 season. With them comes a conglomerate crowd of thousands of racing enthusiasts who take to the streets to see audacious drivers take on alarming corners at the break-neck speeds of the Melbourne Grand Prix.

Unlike other circuits, the Melbourne Grand Prix transpires among the arresting paths of Albert Park, located in the vibrant centre of Melbourne city. Here, viewers are fortunate enough to be tantalisingly close to the racing which leaves behind a distinct impression of being a part of the action as it unfolds. Such an enthralling and grandiose environment conjures similar feelings of exclusivity and excitement captured at Monaco and as such it is not surprising that Melbourne has become the sporting capital of the Southern hemisphere.

Transforming Albert Park from an everyday oasis to a circuit worthy of Formula 1 standards, means the Australian Grand Prix has created an adrenaline-charged track synonymous with glamour, cutting-edge technology and demanding obstacles. Known as one of the fastest tracks in the Formula 1 calendar, the circuit requires a miracle combination of robust cars and driver’s who’ve mastered their craft. Here, the 16-turn course enforces even the best to unearth their fortitude and face numerous double bends, a complex mixture of medium-high speed corners with several hazardous overtaking areas, all renowned for their white-knuckle and blood-curdling drama.

An epic battle ensues in these conditions and the tracks celebrated smoothness causes racing cars to thunder, crash, and launch themselves into the air, around corners and in front of their opponents, who are likewise, charging at full steam towards their rear. A split second determines the fates of these drivers and only exact precision and expertise can prevent the dreaded sound of metal crashing and shattering under the force of the impregnable and destructive tarmac.  Just as soon as one car goes right, the other goes left, and a dizzying mass of deafening engines bolt themselves around the 5.303km circuit with the same determination and conquest one might find from an enraged bull. The pièce de résistance, however, is the final push towards the finish line as a thrilling and skittish atmosphere electrifies the hundreds of thousands eagerly watching their heroes’ jostle past, with only inches to spare, to victoriously take their place on the podium.

To soak up this frenzy and to be entirely immersed in the sphere of Formula 1, guests should find themselves at the Prost Grandstand. Being within metres of the track, this grandstand has views overlooking the apex of Turn 16 and 15, Pit Lane entry and the Main Straight. Here, vibrations from the cars and their deafening roars consume the area and ricochet beyond the borders of Albert Park. It is here that the world gets to see just what these cars are made of and the incredible force undertaken by them as they accelerate coming into the 16^th, brake hard around the turn, before launching into the fastest run of the circuit to the finish line.

As one of many that line the final corner, this Grandstand helps create a stadium-like appearance, adding to the already palpable festival ambience. This is a blatant reminder that the Australian Grand Prix is so much more than a series of races. Its off-track entertainments are paving the way for a decadent and sensual weekend with aerial and car displays, concerts, and Fan Zones. As of 2020, AusGP Sessions are bringing bon vivants live music straight from the festival hub, M-lane. Alongside this, there is a premier line-up of global music sensations delivering larger-than-life performances.

Nearly 100,000 spectators cluster together in single motion, swaying to and inhaling the jovial rhythms of the performers. Gone are the angst and uncertainty of the racetrack. Now, there’s madness of a sensuous nature with guests and racing legends melding into one with the music. Here, it is nigh on impossible not to fall, ever so slightly, in love with the dreamy aesthetic of the lakeside views and dazzling backdrop of Melbourne city skyline.

Excellent post-race celebrations commence here, and not too far away is the Fangio Premium Grandstand which offers fantastic views of the podium for those looking to distance themselves from the animated chaos. At Fangio, one is privileged to witness the world’s fastest and high-quality pit crew work to the demands of speed changes required for Formula 1 racing. Opposite the pit, the ultra-modern Race Cube is designed specifically for true racing enthusiasts. Here, guests are able to breathe in the adrenaline-packed atmosphere while watching the drivers and pit workers from the comfort of an open-air, rooftop bar and lounge.

For something slightly more private the Corporate Platform at turns 3 and 4 provides one with the opportunity to shape their own unique experience at the Grand Prix. Whether it is a private or shared suite, one thing is for certain there will always be reserved dining, morning and afternoon tea, Pitstop Happy Hour and many other delectate cuisines at the guest’s doorstep.

What’s more is the Corporate Platform gives visitors full access to the new Garden Pitstop. A glamorous area for meeting, mingling, networking and relaxing in unparalleled levels of comfort and acoustic entertainment. With hosts to assist one’s every whim and views of Formula 1 teams arriving at the Paddock, guests are treated to the heart of premier racing.

However, for many the lights, camera, action of the Red Carpet is the strongest symbol of a high-end, luxury lifestyle. The glamour and glitz of the spotlight coupled with the sparkle of ball gowns and decade-defining Armani suits have been the fantasy of many from all walks of life. Equally, as special as gaining the autograph of your favourite racing driver, is attending the Formula 1 Rolex Grand Prix party, entitled Glamour On The Grid. The who’s who of the celebrity and sporting worlds, VIPs, influencers and socialites arrive at the Albert Park’s red carpet outfitted in high-fashion and prepared to answer the only question on everyone’s lips ‘who are you wearing?’

Following this, guests are escorted into the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge, a promise land of fine wine, delicious food crafted by celebrity chefs, and outstanding service. The bespoke interior design adds to the opulent aesthetic while performances from eminent musicians elevates the party. Melbourne certainly knows VIP and its inclusion of HD virtual reality racing simulator takes even the most inept driver on a wild ride around Albert Park circuit. For those waiting their turn, the Pamper Pit X provides an exclusive “dressing room” with makeup and hair touch ups, carrying this sumptuous lifestyle into the early hours of the morning.

The cars are fast, the drivers daring, the crowds are vivacious and the parties luxurious and intoxicating. Standing within close proximity to the world’s fastest cars at the Melbourne Grand Prix proves it is an oasis of talent, expertise and style. A golden age for racing and a crown jewel in the Formula 1 calendar.