This year is a real biggie for Formula One. Melbourne has returned as the coveted season opener, host to the world’s first look at seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton debuting his new Ferrari red get up while Spain-born Carlos Sainz embraces a fresh Williams blue. And arguably one of the best parts of the AusGP weekend—the end of race track walk—is also back on the cards. Winning.
But this is Urban List, so we’re talking everything you shouldn’t miss when it comes to eating, drinking, and doing at the F1 with a Park Pass—because for the fancy folk that already snatched up a spenny hospo suite ticket, you already know what you’re in for. So with that, lights out and away we go:
Jump to: need to eat
Jump to: need to drink
Jump to: need to do
Where You Need To Eat
MoVida
Image: MoVida | Website
Formula One is finally taking notes from the Australian Open when it comes to how to perfect a culinary offering for general admission. Among the several exciting debuts this year, MoVida takes the cake. 22 years after opening its doors, the city’s longstanding Spanish institution is doing a pop-up, thanks to the crew at American Express. It’s a bookable dining situation, so if you want to get in, make sure you reserve your spot well ahead of time over here when reservations open March 6. As owner and chef Frank Camorra would put it,
"MoVida has always been about celebrating the vibrancy, energy and spirit of Melbourne, and there’s no better stage than the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix to showcase that. We’re excited to bring a taste of our iconic Spanish restaurant to the heart of the action.”
Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante
Image: Johnny, Vince & Sam's Ristorante | Supplied
After the new upstairs space made a splash in hospo news, the crazy popular Sooshi Mango restaurant that’s giving Lygon Street mainstays a run for their money, is taking on a pop-up restaurant at the F1. Menus are yet to be released but you can safely assume it’ll be vellly niiice with Nonna’s seal of approval. Think along the lines of traditionally-made pasta, pillowy gnocchi, and surely a farkena good pizza.
Pidapipo
Got that sweet craving half way through the day? Lucky for you, you can now race to Pidapipo for the very first time in AusGP history. The cult gelato spot with locations in Fitzroy, Carlton, and CBD is scooping its famed artisanal gelato from Friday to Sunday. If the weather is anything like it was last year, expect this spot to be chock-a-block.
Lune Croissanterie
Image: Lune Croissanterie | Supplied
Speaking of sweet things, there was a collective sigh of relief when the Aus GP team confirmed Lune’s return to the circuit this F1 weekend. You know the drill, lines for Kate Reid’s signature flaky buttery croissants are a given, so get in early to fuel up on carbs for the day before the goods inevitably sell out.
Where You Need To Drink
The Espy
Image: The Espy | Supplied
In The Espy, we trust. St Kilda’s Hotel Esplanade (The Espy) is doing what they do best with a pop-up bar. Extending on last year’s drink offering, new beer lines have been installed, kegs will be in abundance, and taps are ready for slinging refreshing frothies for thirsty rev heads. You’ll find the iconic establishment’s pop-up bar in the Melbourne Junction precinct.
QT Melbourne
Image: Glenfiddich / Supplied
If you're looking for the perfect post-race-day pit stop, look no further than QT Melbourne. From 13-16 March, Glenfiddich, the official partners of the Aston Martin Formula One team, will be transforming the QT's rooftop into Club 1959. Doors are open from 6pm daily until midnight, with local DJs spinning from 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and a headline performance from Emily Gurr on Sunday. Spots are limited, so you'll want to be quick if you want to maintain pole position.
St Hugo
Despite the Perth-born eight-time F1 Grand Prix winner no longer gracing the grid, you're still going to find Daniel Ricciardo's wine at the Australian Grand Prix—naturally. Located in the Melbourne Junction precinct, St Hugo will be pouring the new release DR3 Wines all race weekend. Last year it was the 2021 release, a vibrant shiraz and cab sav blend making for a delightfully funky drop, so it’s only right to expect something equally as exciting. Park up at the bar and enjoy.
ST. ALi
You can say goodbye to subpar coffee trailer brews because praise be, one of Melbourne’s best coffee spots, ST. ALi is coming to the F1 with not one, not two, but seven pop-ups to take care of your caffeine fix. It’s the same perfectly extracted espresso you know and love from their five Melbourne outposts, this time served with a side of adrenaline.
Things You Need To Do
LEGO Fan Zone
LEGO is set to have a pretty impressive interactive space for the whole race weekend. Yep, you read that right—LEGO. The diehard F1 fans would know about LEGO’s slick Formula One sets featuring some of the most beloved teams and their race cars for years now. So it only makes sense they’ll be going all out with a dedicated zone at this year’s AusGP for LEGO and racing fans alike.
Called the LEGO Fan Zone, you’ve got plenty for your inner child to run wild with (with or without the fam) including make and take stations, photo opps, and the special chance to check out the new 2025 F1 LEGO range for the very first time (and purchase, too).
MECCA MAX
Image: Mecca | Supplied
The makeup and beauty experts are returning to Albert Park with their stunning MECCA MAX Beauty Pit Stop. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a pop-up for the beauty fans to stop and get a speedy makeup touch-up entirely complimentary. Very handy when the sun has been beaming down all day and you have sweated off your foundation and blush. Plus the team is doing a bunch of product giveaways and a full-on shopping experience if you’re in need of some retail therapy. Definitely one to check out.
Oscar Piastri Fan Experience
Image: Website
Of course, you gotta get around the Melbourne-born F1 driver, Oscar Piastri. Thanks to the Quad Lock crew, there’s a whole OP Zone just for the Piastri fans. They’ve promised a Q&A with the McLaren driver himself, official merch dropping, and an epic giveaway with details released on race day.
Crown Lakeside Festival
Like all good sporting events, there’s an equally as excellent music program to match the energy. This year at the Crown Lakeside Festival, catch huge artists like Fatboy Slim, Tones and I, and Baker Boy across the entire weekend. The festival is already included in your ticket, so be sure to stick around after the on-track action ends and beeline to the stage from 5pm each day.
FORMULA 1 LOUIS VUITTON AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Where: Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, Albert Park VIC
When: Thursday 13 March – Sunday 16 March 2025
More information this way.
Keep the good times coming with Melbourne’s best restaurants for a post-race feed over here, or keep it local with St Kilda’s best over here.
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