An estimated attendance of 324,100 fans at Sunday’s Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 helped smash a 14-year record.
Fans flocked to the Albert Park in big numbers to watch the Formula 1 season opener – Daniel Ricciardo’s debut for Renault – and the Beaurepaires Supercars Melbourne 400.
The support categories proved popular, too, while the glitz and glamour off track was a highlight as always.
The estimated four-day crowd figure is the highest recorded since 2005 and CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Andrew Westacott, fondly reflected on another successful event.
“What a sensational four days it has been to be in Melbourne and at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019,” Westacott said.
“We broke crowd records – an estimated 324,100 people attended this year’s [race] which was the highest four-day attendance since 2005.
“The racing action across all categories was non-stop, off-track entertainment had crowds pumping and we had Valtteri Bottas take home his maiden Australian Grand Prix victory.
“New driver lineups and anticipation for the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship contributed to the busy crowds, as plenty of event goers came to Albert Park to experience their first Formula 1 Grand Prix.”
Westacott added that the event brings “something significant and different” to Melbourne and thanked fans for their brilliant support.
“The crowds saw lots and lots of people who had never been to Formula 1 before come along, enjoy it, and realise that’s in an international event of stature,” he added.
“It brings something significant and different to Melbourne, and as a result of that, we have won over lots and lots of hearts and minds because they had a fantastic time.
“We got to offer more variety, more value for money – and that’s what Melburnians, interstate and overseas visitors loved. What we have shown with is that this is the best event from an entertainment point of view, and there’s so much to see and do around Albert Park.”
“We had new facilities, we had enhancements from everything to GP Advantage and the Kids’ Zones to the activities down at water’s edge at the lake. Heineken Village and the stage went off on Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening.
“The support for this year’s event has been phenomenal. The fans are what Formula 1 is about and without you the sport doesn’t exist.
“You came out in droves to support Australia’s number one international sporting event and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Bring on the 25th anniversary in 2020.”