Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG customers have known for years: the only way to properly experience the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix alongside fellow Mercedes-AMG fans is to secure a coveted ticket to the exclusive trackside Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge.

Except now, that’s no longer strictly true. The successful debut of the Mercedes-AMG Grandstand created a spectacular experience for customers who flocked to this year’s famous street race at Melbourne’s Albert Park.

Inside the all-new Mercedes-AMG Grandstand

Patrons were delighted to discover much more than the standard ‘rent a seat with a view for a day’ arrangement.

Passing through the lavish entry foyer – where genuine F1 componentry direct from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team’s pit garage was on display – patrons were admitted to a lively courtyard space. Seated on lounge chairs, park benches and even beanbags, they enjoyed a revolving array of entertainment from live performers and DJs, as well as live video screens showing all the on-track action.

A tempting array of food options was available to purchase from onsite food trucks, including freshly cooked pizzas from 400 Gradi. The food trucks served Mercedes-AMG Grandstand patrons exclusively, averting the need to queue with the record crowds who flocked to the race across the weekend – or to even leave the precinct at all.

Among the courtyard’s many attractions, the showroom-like display of the latest and greatest Mercedes-Benz vehicles was impossible to miss. They ranged from the all-electric EQE luxury sedan and performance-edged Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC, to the iconic Mercedes-AMG G 63 and a genuine Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car.

Grandstand patrons also became the first in Australia to lay eyes on the upcoming all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC. The extensively refreshed GLC 300 features a premium interior design and a tempting array of enhancements.

Wherever patrons ventured in the precinct, the AMG Crew were on hand to help out with logistics and chat about the races.

Within the 800-seat trackside grandstand, patrons were delighted to have a roof overhead to protect them from both rain and sun. Better still, two adjacent super-screens kept them up to date with all the action from around the circuit.

For Terry and Mark Shearer, the AMG-Grandstand exceeded all their expectations. The pair flew in from Auckland on a father-son trip for their first experience of the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.

“We actually only had one day booked and when we got here and saw what it was like we thought, let’s just do the whole three days,” Mark says. “We actually couldn’t think of a better place to be.”

For Terry, there was an added bonus. In the market to update his current performance SUV, he sat in the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV – and fell in love. Is he now thinking about buying his first-ever Mercedes? “More than just thinking about it,” Terry says with a grin.

Collectively, the Mercedes-AMG Grandstand and the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge straddle about 150 metres of prime trackside real estate at action-packed Turn 10, and there were also plenty of attractions for patrons on the other side of the fence.

A social and sensory extravaganza at the Star Lounge

Featuring plush surrounds, tempting all-day catering, special guest appearances, and a stunning viewing deck, the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge experience was bigger and better than ever.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with one of the world’s rarest and most prized Mercedes-AMG models in the entry foyer. The stunning Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series on display is one of only 55 in the world. Designed as the ultimate track day car, it was right at home among the racing machines passing by at over 200 km/h on the nearby track.

Stepping outside, an impressive display of vehicles included the EQS and EQE –the ground-breaking all-electric sedans from Mercedes-EQ – plus a rugged Mercedes-AMG G 63, a Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC, Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ and, of course, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC.

Star Lounge patrons also revelled in outstanding all-day hospitality provided by the Atlantic Group. And as they watched all the on-track proceedings from the undercover trackside deck, they enjoyed an array of guest visitors from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team and various members of the motorsport community.

Don’t miss out

In the lead up to next year’s race, customers should ensure they are signed up to receive Mercedes-Benz communications – tickets for both the Star Lounge and the Mercedes-AMG Grandstand are expected to be snapped up quickly. The latter are offered to the general public following an exclusive offer for Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG customers.

You’ll have to get in fast to beat the Shearers to Mercedes-AMG Grandstand tickets, too. “This was our first time at the Australian Grand Prix, and it’s going to become a regular trip,” Mark says.

“With what we’ve experienced here in the Mercedes-AMG Grandstand, this is going to be the first preference for us going forward.”

By Steve Colquhoun