On Thursday, 5 March, the Motorsport Australia FIA Girls on Track Career & Mentoring Summit convened enthusiastic participants alongside seasoned professionals from the industry, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, discussions, and networking at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
This year’s event signifies the fifth iteration of the Summit, where 20 aspiring young women have been chosen to embark on their motorsport careers.
The day kicked off with intimate workshops and mentoring sessions, followed by a networking gathering supported by Audi at the Audi Australia Trackside Suite. This event allowed participants to engage informally with members of the Audi F1 Team, Audi Australia management, industry professionals, FIA representatives, Supercars staff, and motorsport media.
Pioneered by Girls on Track Advocates Kate Peck and Eleanor Baillieu, the networking session welcomed 131 guests and featured a Q&A session with World Championship surfer Steph Gilmore, conducted by Rally Champion Molly Taylor.
For the fortunate 20 participants, the day concluded with an exclusive tour of the Audi F1 Team garage, along with a meet-and-greet with Audi executives and F1 drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg.
Charlie Barlow, Development Manager at Motorsport Australia, commended the Summit and all who took part.
“It was incredibly rewarding to witness so many young women actively engaging with professionals from various sectors of the motorsport industry,” Barlow remarked.
“The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by participants underscored the significance of this programme.”
In a notable first for the programme following Thursday’s Summit, all Girls on Track participants began work experience placements throughout the event, collectively accumulating over 500 hours of placements during the four-day racing period.
“The work experience aspect is a new addition to the programme in 2026,” Barlow explained.
“It provides participants with practical, real-life experience in the diverse career pathways available in motorsport and positions them to continue fostering these valuable connections.”
Motorsport Australia expresses gratitude to the following teams and organisations for their unwavering support of the programme:
- Red Bull Ampol Racing
- Team 18
- Blanchard Racing Team
- Brad Jones Racing
- Supercars Technical Team
- Penrite Racing
- Dick Johnson Racing
- Tickford Racing
- Australian Sports Management
- Octane Events
- Formula 2 and Formula 3
- Audi Revolut F1 Team
For the third consecutive year, two participants recognised as outstanding achievers from last year’s programme were invited back to assist the Audi F1 Team during the Grand Prix, gaining insight into the operations of an elite-level team.
To learn more about the FIA Girls on Track programme, please visit the Motorsport Australia website.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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