After almost 15 years in the lifestyle media space, I’ve visited my fair share of VIP marquees and supposedly ‘exclusive’ hotspots – and it’s certainly not lost on me how lucky I am to be able to say that.
But after what I experienced this past weekend at my very first Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, I can confidently say nobody does high-end quite like the F1. And with this as my debut, I fear nothing will ever quite compare.
We’ve all seen the photos of Australia’s wealthy, famous and ‘It’ crowds sashaying into the elusive American Express Lounge – a stark contrast to the mania unfolding across the seven jam-packed spectator gates around Albert Park.
And now I too have seen the excessively lavish haven hidden behind those heavily guarded swipe-in, swipe-out turnstiles.
From a VIP traffic-free entry lane to gourmet dining, a beauty lounge and the kind of ‘money-can’t-buy’ moments that leave even seasoned guests wide-eyed, this is what a day (or two) at Melbourne’s F1 Grand Prix looks like for the one per cent.
The Podium Club
The F1 Paddock Club – rebranded as The Podium Club in Melbourne – is the ultimate vantage point to take in every thrill, as it sits on the Main Straight above the team garages. Guests spotted here included Terry Crews, Rita Ora, Delta Goodrem and a host of Aussie socialites.
Truly in the minority of the 140,000-plus fans flooding the track each day, these lucky VIPs are swiftly escorted through the crowds to the luxury of the Amex Lounge, which houses the many private hospitality suites.
Truly in the minority of the 140,000-plus fans flooding the track each day (pictured), lucky VIPs are swiftly escorted through the crowds to the luxury of the Amex Lounge
The F1 Paddock Club – rebranded as The Podium Club in Melbourne – is the ultimate vantage point to take in every thrill, as it sits on the Main Straight above the team garages
We’ve all seen the photos of Australia’s wealthy, famous and and ‘It’ crowds sashaying into the elusive American Express Lounge – a stark contrast to the mania unfolding across the seven jam-packed spectator gates around Albert Park
A three-day pass for the Club starts at $6,895 per person. Add-on experiences and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities can send that price soaring very quickly.
Other ultra-luxe enclaves elsewhere on the track include the likes of Casa Ferrari and the Porsche Pavilion, where packages range from $12,000 to $35,000.
Seated in the Champions Suite, I felt like a fully-fledged F1 insider – dripping with so many lanyards even I started losing track of my own access.
We arrived via our own dedicated lane, bypassing the traffic entirely before being guided through the same access point used by the drivers themselves. Waiting for us was a slick black entrance that led to the lounge gates.
This is unbeatable access; the buzz of the Pit Lane sits mere metres away. It’s the type of place that would convert even the most unlikely spectator into a super fan.
Among the lounge highlights was a Mecca Max beauty pit stop for on-the-go touch-ups, a Penfolds wine bar and a Ritz-Carlton bar – all housed within a sleek, contemporary multi-level space buzzing with guests.
And that’s all before the expert commentary, pit lane walks and guided track tours.
A day here is a bit like flying business class for the first time – once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to imagine ever going back.
While most fans attend races from the stands, luckier folk are offered rare access to the cars, drivers, paddock and track itself
Among the lounge highlights was a Mecca Max beauty pit stop for on-the-go touch-ups, a Penfolds wine bar and a Ritz-Carlton bar – all housed within a sleek, contemporary multi-level space buzzing with guests
A personal favourite moment came courtesy of a charming duo roaming the halls with traditional Italian coffee brewed in Bialetti Moka pots. Outstandingly delicious
Gourmet Dining
Each suite offers a rotating showcase of global cuisine with live chefs, culinary entertainment and all-day refreshments.
And despite the impressive food offerings scattered across the wider grounds (Chin Chin, Lune Croissanterie, Baba’s Deli, Gelato Messina, Charrd and A1 Bakery), not a single guest was willing to risk missing the steady stream of bites emerging from the hidden suite kitchens.
On the menu were handheld delights like white wine-poached chicken sandwiches and petite prawn toast with plum gel, alongside heartier dishes including charred Fremantle octopus, mushroom and ricotta tortellini, Southern-spiced wagyu cheek with Paris mash, and chicken and veal polpette with potato cream.
Charcuterie stations and small-plate bowls were continuously replenished throughout the day, too.
Of course the bars kept the drinks flowing as well, serving Penfolds wines, Moët & Chandon champagne and Belvedere vodka.
A personal favourite moment came courtesy of a charming duo roaming the halls with traditional Italian coffee brewed in Bialetti Moka pots. Outstandingly delicious.
Cody Simpson (left) and Delta Goodrem (right) were among those based in the Podium Club
Each suite offers a rotating showcase of global cuisine with live chefs, culinary entertainment and all-day refreshments
The suites sit alongside the Main Straight (pictured) and include access to a rooftop viewing deck right above the pits
Exclusive Experiences
This is where things shifted into unforgettable territory.
While the vast majority of fans view races from the stands, luckier folk are offered rare access to the cars, drivers, paddock and track itself.
Throughout the weekend, driver talks and Q&As are conducted by ‘expert hosts’ and former racing professionals across the lounges.
British icon David Coulthard made an appearance in our suite – arriving to audible gasps before delivering an eye-opening discussion on the upcoming race, driver culture and some of his more controversial moments behind the wheel.
Guests are also invited on walks of Pit Lane – the nerve centre of the race where teams are seen preparing for upcoming sessions. Guests can stroll along the strip and peer into the high-energy garages for up to an hour.
The guided track tour was an unexpected highlight, too. We stepped onto the tarmac and wandered among the F2 cars moments before their sprint race. Standing on the start line as the engines roared nearby was one of those genuine ‘pinch-me’ moments I won’t soon forget.
A day here is a bit like flying business class for the first time – once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to imagine ever going back
Ferrari star Charles Leclerc is pictured in the Paddock
The Paddock is prime territory for celebrity and driver sightings
Then came the Paddock access – a rare visit to what’s dubbed the ‘operational heart’ of Formula One and an area typically reserved for teams, sponsors, media and FIA staff.
It’s also prime territory for celebrity and driver sightings. Within minutes we’d already spotted a helmeted Charles Leclerc slipping past mid-practice session – apparently making a very quick and somewhat inconvenient bathroom dash.
Then came what may have been the most extraordinary moment of the weekend.
Just as we finished lunch, an unexpected opportunity arose to watch the second qualifying session from a perspective I never imagined possible – our own pit gantry.
Complete with headsets, live race data and commentary from a former F2 driver, we sat within touching distance of the action as the session unfolded. So close that a waiver was signed beforehand.
Within moments of sitting down, Lewis Hamilton pulled up right beside us. What. A. Moment.
Within moments of sitting down, Lewis Hamilton pulled up right beside us. What. A. Moment.
Guests are also invited on walks of Pit Lane, the nerve centre of the race where teams prepare for upcoming track sessions
A Core Memory
I imagine a small number of F1 fans take this sort of access for granted.
I had absolutely no intention of being one of them and will likely spend the next few months rewatching Drive to Survive, scrolling through my camera roll and attempting to mentally relive the entire weekend.
Because after experiencing Formula One like this, it’s safe to say I could never attend ‘normally’ again.
I peaked too early. There’s simply no going back.
