Beauty In the Fast Lane With The Australian Grand Prix
February 10 | 4 minute read
Words by the MECCA Memo
Fast-paced. Fine-tuned. Full throttled. Things are gearing up at Albert Park Circuit, and MECCA MAX is once again taking pole position. Ahead of the action, Emma Pinwill, Chief Commercial Officer at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, lifts the bonnet on what it really takes to deliver one of the world’s buzziest Grand Prix – from the long hours behind the scenes, to why Melbourne leads the pack when it comes to female fans and how beauty has earned its place trackside.
The energy at race week is indescribable – but what does it actually look like for you, on the inside?
EP: High-pressure, but also incredibly fun. It’s when the whole team comes together, we arrive early, stay late, and wear multiple hats. But seeing fans enjoy the results of months of hard work makes it all worth it.
What would surprise people about what happens behind the scenes?
EP: For every glamorous moment, there’s a lot of planning, logistics and collaboration. That might mean getting an F1 car into an inner-city building, packing tote bags for track marshals, or putting out signage – jobs that were never on the job description but that’s how an event of this scale comes together.
Melbourne has the highest share of female attendance of any F1 race globally. Why does this event resonate so strongly with women?
EP: We’ve seen huge growth in female attendance and viewership across the sport globally, and Melbourne has really led that shift. We’re proud of that and continue to create at-event experiences that appeal to a more diverse crowd – including partnerships with brands like MECCA MAX. Australians also love getting behind local talent, and there’s a strong sense of supporting the incredible Aussie drivers we’ve seen in recent years.
This is MECCA MAX’s third year as a trackside partner. What do you think this partnership says about the sport?
EP: Many fans come for more than racing. They want to experience their favourite brands, great food, and entertainment all day. Partnerships like MECCA MAX reflect the interests of those who are actually attending – and creative activations like the Beauty Pit Stop are such a value add for a day spent trackside.
Race days are long, hot, and non-stop. What beauty actually goes the distance for you?
EP: The MECCA MAX Night Duty Hydrating Overnight Jelly Mask helps me look alive each morning, and Life Proof Setting Spray is essential for keeping my makeup in place all day.
MECCA MAX launched a track-inspired Zoom Zip Liner shade in ‘Motor Oil’ for race week. What is it about race-inspired beauty that excites fans?
EP: Fans love expressing their connection to the sport – whether that’s through team caps, vintage jackets or personalised accessories. Beauty is another extension of that, and we love seeing how creative fans are when they arrive at Albert Park.
What advice would you give women wanting to break into motorsport?
EP: Relationships and networking are incredibly important. If there’s a chance to get your foot in the door – even if it’s not the dream role – take it. Many people here started on short-term contracts or in completely different departments and built their careers from there.
If you’re heading trackside, pull over to the exclusive MECCA MAX Beauty Pit Stop activation at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026 from Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March. Fine-tune your look with a complimentary express makeup service, limited-edition gifts and to shop our MECCA MAX favourites.You can also head in-store to MECCA Bourke Street and learn how to get your colour fix, fast. For more information, see here.
