F1: Australian GP sets new attendance record over 440,000

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The 2023 edition of the Australian GP F1 race set a new attendance record at the circuit for the weekend with 444,631 attending it, surpassing the 2022 figure by 25,517.

It was the most attended sporting event ever in Melbourne. The Grand Prix was the first ever race to feature three red flags in the Formula One history.

Since Liberty Media purchased Formula 1 the sport is skyrocketing in popularity.  Liberty media, the race promoters, the teams and the drivers are swimming in money.

Attendance

‘To have more than 440,000 people for the weekend is just massive, it’s just great,’ Domenicali told Speedcafe.

‘The atmosphere you live here in Melbourne, at Albert Park, is just magic because you have incredibly passionate people.

‘You go into the city, they talk about Formula 1, so that’s really what we want.’

Having replaced Adelaide as the host of the Australian Grand Prix in 1996, Melbourne has grown into one of the staples of the Formula 1 calendar.

‘Australia is very important,’ Domenicali added.

‘You are really having a very important role, even if the country is far away from the other continents, but it’s beautiful to see what it’s doing.

‘The fact that we can really plan long-term vision now means we can really have the time to invest together and create possible new events, new things together.

‘That’s something that felt really fantastic to see, also how the political parties understand the importance of the event and the importance of Formula 1 here in Australia.’

Domenicali also paid tribute to Andrew Westacott, the outgoing CEO of the Melbourne GP, who is set to step down after 17 years in his role.

‘Andrew has been part of this corporation for many years, he’s done an incredible job,’ he said.

“The growth of the sport is related to the fact that Andrew, under the supervision of Paul Little, did really well – the team did an incredible job.