American Express returns to Melbourne for its second year as the Official Payments Partner of Formula 1, delivering even greater access, energy and exclusive moments for Amex Card Members and race fans at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026.
Building on last year’s record attendance and F1’s accelerating global momentum, Amex is extending its presence across Albert Park with elevated hospitality, refreshed fan zones and an enhanced suite of Amex Card Member benefits.
New for 2026, Amex has expanded its partnership with the Australian Grand Prix as the presenting partner of both the Lakeside Festival and Glamour on the Grid, which was one of the hardest tickets in town to get this year, with the number of invited guests reportedly cut by over a third.
Guests arriving for Glamour on the Grid were greeted with a Piccolo bottle Moët & Chandon, before being shuttled to the pit exit end of the main straight. Under the starting light gantry, the glittering guests posed on the media wall, before proceeding on to the starting grid where the drinks flowed and exquisite morsels of food were served.
The night continued in the Amex Lounge and guests were greeted with a glass of Penfolds Grange as they made their way to the Lounge. The Amex Lounge is meticulously appointed with little alcoves of surprises for guests to discover. This three-level structure offers guests a view of drivers as they enter the paddock area and when you proceed up the stairs towards the Podium Club you can gaze down on the full expanse of the F1 paddock, where you are sure to spot plenty of well-known faces.
The Amex Lounge sets the benchmark for luxury hospitality. In the ticketed space, guests can indulge in food and beverage offerings from Moët & Chandon, Grange, Belvedere, Grill Americano and the Ritz-Carlton Bar. They will also gain access to live music, dedicated screens televising the race, the Pit Roof Viewing Deck and beauty touch-ups by MECCA MAX. The Penfolds Grange Experience will also be offered to Amex Lounge ticket holders. Hosted by a Penfolds Ambassador, this guided tasting will celebrate the heritage and craftsmanship behind Penfolds’ iconic wine.
A pop-up version of Grill Americano, Chris Lucas’ acclaimed Italian‑American steakhouse, will be located inside the Amex Lounge and accessible exclusively to guests with a premium hospitality ticket. The elegant, luxurious dining experience will feel perfectly at home alongside the glamorous Paddock‑side location.
Amex delivers access to more iconic Melbourne eateries Chin Chin Presented by American Express will expand the culinary offering for ticketholders across Albert Park, giving racegoers the chance to dine at the iconic Melbourne restaurant while taking in the action of the event. With this venue being the only bookable dining experience at F1, Amex Card Members will receive priority access to reservations and a complimentary ice cream when booking with their Amex Card.
“As the Official Payments Partner of Formula 1, Amex is thrilled to return to the Australian Grand Prix and elevate the fan experience at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. With over 800 million fans globally, Formula 1 continues to bring people together through a shared passion for this exciting, action-packed sport,” said Naysla Edwards, Amex Vice President of Brand, Customer Marketing and Member Experience.
Race week is better with Amex, with the Amex Lakeside Terrace and Amex Racing Club Amex Card Members will gain exclusive access to book into the Amex Lakeside Terrace, an impressive, three-tier lounge and festival-viewing experience that overlooks the main stage. With panoramic views to watch the weekend’s entertainment, the top two floors will be dedicated spaces exclusively for Amex Platinum and Centurion Card Members.
All ticketholders are invited to explore the enhanced Amex Racing Club, where immersive games, hands-on content creation experiences, exciting giveaways and an opportunity to make custom phone chains will further engage fans in the race excitement. Amex Card Members will enjoy premium access to the venue beginning with an exclusive upper-level lounge, complete with massage chairs, a complimentary soft drink, a refresh bar and elevated goodie bag inclusions. Additional Amex Card Member benefits include a 10% official merchandise offer (up to $20) available onsite from 5-8 March 2026.
Gates are officially open at Albert Park yesterday, and our biggest Thursday on record has delivered one of the most action packed opening days in the event’s history. With the weather looking food for the entire weekend, F1 fans can look forward to an action-packed event at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.