When the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024 returned to Melbourne over the weekend, record-breaking crowds flocked to the stands to see the world's premier drivers battle it out on the acclaimed Albert Park Grand Prix circuit.

While it was a challenging weekend for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team, both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell showed promising pace as they look to build momentum for the remainder of the 24-round F1 season.

Outside of being a member of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team, there were few opportunities to get as close to the action as attending the Mercedes-AMG Lounge or Mercedes-AMG Grandstand – both of which provided an extraordinary view of the thrilling event.

An immersive trackside experience

With expansive, unobstructed views of Turns nine and 10 – the fastest corners on the flowing Albert Park circuit – the Mercedes-AMG Lounge offered an immersive trackside experience.

Formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, the freshly reinvigorated, dynamic space mirrors the sporty sophistication of the Mercedes-AMG line-up. The spacious interior flowed seamlessly to a purpose-built deck and new viewing platform. Guests were also given exclusive access to a brand-new grandstand built next to the lounge – bringing them closer to the sights and sounds of the intense on-track action.

Outstanding catering and full bar service elevated the spectator experience, while an adjacent super screen meant guests didn’t have to tear themselves away from the action in order to enjoy their food and beverages.

They also had the opportunity to learn about the technical side of F1 from members of the Mercedes-AMG F1 PETRONAS team, who were in attendance over the weekend to give guests further insight into the team and the race.

Guests heard from some of biggest names in motorsport. On Thursday, March 21, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell attended an exclusive event at the Mercedes-AMG lounge, hosted in partnership with Vogue Australia, for a casual Q&A with journalist Hannah Hollis. Over the course of the weekend, interviews were also held with Mercedes-AMG F1 PETRONAS team CEO Toto Wolff, retired British racing driver and 13-time grand prix winner David Coulthard, and FIA F1 Safety Car driver Bernd Maylander.

The highly sought-after experience at the Mercedes-AMG Lounge was available to brand customers by invitation only, and attended by the likes of five-time Australian MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan.

In the thick of the action

After making its spectacular debut at the 2023 F1 Australian Grand Prix, the Mercedes-AMG Grandstand was back by popular demand.

The 800-seat grandstand provided ticket-holders with an uninterrupted view of the action at Turns nine and 10, augmented by two giant screens to capture replays and action at other parts of the Albert Park circuit.

Adjacent to the grandstand, the Mercedes-AMG precinct offered relaxed outdoor dining areas, first-class catering and bar facilities.

A star-studded parade

Guests of the Mercedes-AMG Lounge and Grandstand couldn’t miss the stunning display of Mercedes-AMG vehicles, including the brand-new, limited-edition Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition, which made its Australian debut at this year’s F1 Australian Grand Prix.

Sparkling in the glorious autumn sunshine was the new-generation Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ and its jaw-dropping forebear, the 300 SL Roadster.

In addition to this star-studded parade of road cars, the Mercedes-AMG precinct hosted two legendary racing cars from the stable of the three-pointed-star – both of which have made an unforgettable impression at the Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst in the past.

The first was the stunningly restored Mercedes-Benz 190 E Group A race car that took part in numerous Bathurst 1000 classics in the 1980s; the second was the Mercedes-AMG GT3 that broke the GT lap record recently at the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour. Mercedes-AMG performance driver Jules Gounon recorded a blistering time of just 1:56.6054, lapping the 6.213km Mount Panorama circuit at an average speed of 191.82km/h – including a peak speed of 308.71km/h down Conrod Straight.

Together, the Mercedes-AMG Lounge and Mercedes-AMG Grandstand gave attendees of this year’s adrenaline-fueled Australian Grand Prix a coveted experience, putting them in the heart of the action and providing unparalleled access to the thrill of F1 racing.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team will be in action again at the next round of the 2024 Formula 1 season, taking place at Japan’s iconic Suzuka circuit from April 5–7.

Discover the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition.