The 1,000-plus strong group of officials who were integral to the running of the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026 came together on Sunday evening to reflect on the successful event and enjoy a meal together.
The officials’ dinner, which takes place annually following the conclusion of the Australian Grand Prix, was held inside the Cricket Victoria building based on the corner of St Kilda Junction/Fitzroy Street.
Led by Secretary of the Event Kimberly Hughes, the dinner was headlined by a personalised thank you video of competing drivers from the weekend acknowledging the officials’ hard work.
Drivers who gave shout outs to the officials included four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, Charles Leclerc and Isack Hadjar who kindly stated, “without you, there is no racing”.
The evening also involved a pair of peer-nominated awards for the official deemed the Marshal of the Event, as well as the Peter Nelson Cup, which is awarded to a standout team.
Receiving the Marshal of the Event award was Assistant Clerk of the Course Kaye Callander, who executed her role in Race Control to an exceptional level.
The Peter Nelson Cup, named after the Australian Grand Prix’s original Secretary of the Event, the late Peter Nelson, was awarded to the Sector 14.4 marshal team, made up of track marshals, flag marshals, a sector marshal, observers and a marshal zone observer covering one of the larger areas on track.
Motorsport Australia CEO Josh Blanksby addressed the officials group, thanking the community on behalf of President Andrew Fraser and the Motorsport Australia Board, for its professionalism and expertise as the Australian Grand Prix broke its weekend attendance record with 483,934 attendees.
“To have over a 1,000 people giving up their time, their money, to travel here, to stay here, and to work from dawn ‘til dusk, is remarkable,” Blanksby said.
“It’s a skilled workforce… and you’re doing the most important part of the job for this sport.
“It truly blew me away when I was here Thursday morning, when Jen [Campbell] and Rhys [Carleton-Carlos] did the live cross with ABC News Breakfast, and everyone was coming in with such positivity and such excitement.
“I really felt it to be a community, and I then understood what the term ‘motorsport family’ means. So, again, thank you for all of your hard work.”
Motorsport Australia Chief People Officer Nicky Lennon echoed Blanksby’s sentiment, thanking the officials for their efforts.
“Events like the Australian Grand Prix simply don’t happen without the dedication of our officials, and the commitment shown across the weekend was outstanding,” Lennon added.
“To see more than a thousand volunteers give their time, energy and expertise to deliver such a world-class event is something everyone in Australian motorsport should be proud of.
“On behalf of Motorsport Australia, thank you for the passion and teamwork you brought to Albert Park.”
Head to our website to learn more about becoming an official at Motorsport Australia.
