The Melbourne F1 Grand Prix is a ‘must-see’ for thousands every year, with diehard fans forking out a minimum of $300 for a four-day park pass.
But with the weather refusing to cooperate during Sunday’s event, many were quick to learn just how little that got them as they scrambled to escape the rain and catch just a glimpse of the drivers.
As the torrential rain, lightning and track drama pummelled Albert Park, those lucky enough to enjoy the VIP areas – including myself – were treated to an experience most fans only dream of.
Celebrities and Australian It-girls watched from their swanky lounges and sipped Champagne while fans below braved the elements, drenched in ponchos and clinging to their overpriced merch for warmth.
Having been invited to the American Express Lounge this year, I was right there with them. Raised high above the pit lane, I pinched myself as I stood, flute in hand, my hair freshly styled by a beauty squad next door.
The luxurious escape was a mid-tier luxury option perched over the Paddock Club pit roof, where the roar of engines met the hum of espresso machines and the clinking of glasses.
At $5,850 for a three-day pass, it’s no bargain – but when you’re dry, comfortable, and pampered while living our your Drive To Survive dreams, you can see why some would take the plunge.
And that’s just the beginning of the behind-the-scenes perks on offer.
Celebrities and Australian IT-girls watched from their swanky lounges and sipped Champagne at the F1 on Sunday
Meanwhile fans below braved the elements, drenched in ponchos and clinging to their overpriced merch for warmth
As the final lap neared and the rain showed no signs of stopping, I took a moment to appreciate the sheer contrast of my experience compared to those sitting in the grandstands
Wet weather, wild racing, and VIP perks
From the moment I arrived, the energy was electric.
Melbourne’s wild weather had already forced the cancellation of Supercars Race 7 and F2 earlier in the day, and as I sipped my coffee from the elevated viewing deck, the tension in the lounge was palpable.
And once it got underway, what a race it was.
Australian hero Oscar Piastri ran straight off the road into the gravel with a podium finish beckoning, sending the crowd into a frenzy – especially those stationed in stands with obstacle-free views of the chaos.
The rain didn’t let up, but neither did the enthusiasm as everyone roared with delight and got involved in the action – even if they knew nothing about it.
For the poor souls sitting or standing in general admission, it was a different story.
Soaking wet, huddled together and paying big money to sit in the storm, it was far from the $300 ‘bucket list’ moment many had hoped for.
The Veronicas are pictured at the Red Bull Energy Station on race day as they lapped up the perks on offer for celebrities and a select few
Pictured: The Enter the Shark Beauty pamper room, where the Mecca Max makeup team worked their magic, rescuing women from the perils of frizz and running mascara
The scenes at the lounge were as entertaining as the race as women in designer dresses and heels lined up for touch-ups and used hair dryers after getting caught in the rain
Bubbly, beauty, and the best spot for people-watching
While the hardcore fans debated tyre strategies, I had more pressing matters to attend to – like ensuring my hair didn’t succumb to the Melbourne humidity.
Enter the Shark Beauty pamper room, where the Mecca Max makeup team worked their magic, rescuing women from the perils of frizz, running mascara, and damp outfits.
The scenes were as entertaining as the race – women in designer dresses and heels they instantly regretted lining up for touch-ups and using hair dryers to dry themselves off as they swanned around the pop-up day spa.
I had my hair expertly styled by Chris Hunter, the owner of Willomina salon in Woollahra, who tamed my rain-wrecked mane into soft curls using the Shark FlexStyle.
Meanwhile, at the Ritz-Carlton restaurant, MasterChef’s Khanh Ong whispered with friends over caviar, while one woman casually shoved a $500 Ferrari jacket into a crocodile Birkin she’d left on the floor.
I headed to St Hugo for a wine tasting, where I discovered one of the best reds I’ve ever had – the Vetus Purum Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon ($220)
Soaking wet, huddled together and paying big money to sit in the storm, the race was far from the bucket list moment many fans had hoped for
A-list encounters and exclusive access
From my seat in the AmEx Lounge, I could spy straight into the Red Bull Energy Station, where Hollywood stars and VIPs were sipping bubbly and gossiping without a care in the world.
Mel C (yes, Sporty Spice herself) was among them, effortlessly cool as ever.
Later, I headed to St Hugo for a wine tasting, where I discovered one of the best reds I’ve ever had – the Vetus Purum Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon ($220).
A fitting warm-up before heading to the Paddock Club pit roof, the ultimate F1 vantage point.
Watching the race in style
As the engines revved and the rain kept falling, many AmEx lanyard-wearing guests bailed for shelter and hot coffee, but not me.
I was committed to experiencing the chaos firsthand – and it didn’t disappoint.
The Paddock Club pit roof offers an unparalleled view right above the pit lane where you can watch every lightning-fast tyre change, every dramatic slide across the wet track, and every single second of high-stakes racing.
The only way to do F1? Absolutely
As the final lap neared and the rain showed no signs of stopping, I took a moment to appreciate the sheer contrast of my experience compared to those sitting in the grandstands.
No mud, no blisters, no regrets – just incredible views, impeccable service, and an unforgettable race.
Sure, a $5,850 ticket isn’t for everyone, but if you’re going to do F1 in Melbourne, in the rain, this is the only way to do it.
I had the experience of a lifetime many can only dream of – and I know I’ll be dreaming of my time in the lounge as I trudge through the mud with everyone else next year.
And while the American Express lounge was incredible – it’s only the beginning of the luxuries on offer.
The Paddock Club pit roof offers an unparalleled view right above the pit lane
The Paddock Club
Price: $16,608 for three days
The Formula 1 Paddock Club is the pinnacle of motorsport luxury – where Hollywood stars, business moguls, and die-hard fans with deep pockets come together to experience F1 like never before.
Guests at the Paddock Club get a front-row seat to the action and are given unparalleled access to the world of Formula 1.
A Kick Sauber fan experience offered a private tour of the team’s garage, where guests got to see the engineers and mechanics fine-tuning the cars before they hit the track.
You also get exclusive pit lane walks, putting fans just metres away from the cars and crews.
Inside the Paddock Club, the hospitality is next level – think five-star gourmet dining, an open bar with premium drinks, and an interior so sleek it could rival a high-end nightclub.
A high-definition video wall ensures no one misses a second of the action, even while indulging in the endless food and drink offerings.
It’s the closest thing to being on the track without actually driving the car – and for those with $16,608 to spare, it’s the ultimate way to experience F1 in Melbourne.
The Formula 1 Paddock Club is the pinnacle of motorsport luxury – where Hollywood stars, business moguls, and die-hard fans with deep pockets come together to experience F1 like never before
A two-storey trackside facility with open-air views of the pit exit, this lounge is where the cool crowd comes to party while watching the world’s fastest cars tear up the track
Red Bull Energy Station
Price: $6,995 for three days
If the Paddock Club is all about luxury, the Red Bull Energy Station is all about vibes.
A two-storey trackside facility with open-air views of the pit exit, this lounge is where the cool crowd comes to party while watching the world’s fastest cars tear up the track.
You’ll find DJs who spin beats all day, creating a high-energy atmosphere that rivals the on-track action.
A Red Bull-themed cocktail bar serves up long drinks, champagne, and premium wines, ensuring the drinks never stop flowing.
The grazing menu keeps guests fuelled up, while superscreens and a broadcast TV feed mean they don’t miss a moment of the race.
You also have the opportunity to experience exclusive Red Bull Racing Team appearances, offering guests a rare chance to meet the people behind one of F1’s most dominant teams.
The celebrity guest list was just as impressive as the race itself – Mel C, Alexandra Daddario, The Veronicas, Carrie Bickmore, Baker Boy, and 2DayFM’s Jimmy & Nath were all spotted soaking up the action from the Energy Station.
With gaming experiences, motorsports memorabilia, and a non-stop party atmosphere, this is the place to be if you want a high-energy, VIP F1 experience.
Positioned right along the main straight, the 330 Club gives guests an unmatched view of the F1 cars as they hit 330 km/h before slamming the brakes into Turn 1
The multi-level facility features an open rooftop viewing balcony, offering some of the best sight lines in Albert Park
330 Club presented by The Crown
Price: $5,450 for three days
Positioned right along the main straight, the 330 Club gives guests an unmatched view of the F1 cars as they hit 330 km/h before slamming the brakes into Turn 1.
If you want to feel the raw speed and power of an F1 car, this is the lounge for you.
The multi-level facility features an open rooftop viewing balcony, offering some of the best sightlines in Albert Park.
Inside, the contemporary lounge-style fit-out makes it a stylish but relaxed spot to enjoy the race.
Guests have access to a premium grazing menu and champagne, wine, beer, and espresso coffee keep them fuelled throughout the day, along with DJs to keep the energy up, adding to the electric atmosphere as cars scream past just metres away.
It’s not as exclusive as the Paddock Club, and it doesn’t have the party atmosphere of the Red Bull Energy Station, but for pure racing excitement and impeccable views, the 330 Club is hard to beat.
