ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME WISHES TO COME TRUE AT THE F1 AUSGP

MEDIA RELEASE/Australian Grand Prix Corporation – Photo: Velocity Magazine

For twenty-three people and their families, the roar of engines at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026 will mean far more than racing. It will mark a once-in-a-lifetime moment of joy, connection and create memories to be treasured forever.

Through AGPC’s Wish Program, unforgettable experiences are bought to life for people living with, or impacted by, critical illness, working alongside Starlight Children’s Foundation who provide vital positive distraction and wellbeing support for seriously ill and hospitalised children; Make‑A‑Wish® Australia who delivers unique personalised Wish Journeys that inspire hope for children with critical illnesses; and My Room Children’s Cancer Charity that offers essential financial, emotional and clinical assistance to families affected by childhood cancer. Together, they help create impactful moments of connection throughout the event.

Across the four days, participants and their loved ones, will be welcomed to the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit for personalised, behind the scenes experiences.

From meeting drivers and teams to seeing behind the scenes of a racing garage, the Wish Program gives families a chance to share something special together.

To give Wish participants a taste of the excitement to come, several children were joined at Albert Park by Tickford Racing drivers Cam Waters and Thomas Randle. Waters and Randle will drive in the Supercars Championship, which will once again kickstart the weekend of racing on Thursday, 5 March.

Supercars refreshed race format, which was launched in 2025, has generated huge interest in the 2026 Championship, with Melbourne sitting as the second race on the season’s calendar. The move to position the Supercars Paddock and podium to the outside of the Albert Park track last year will return for 2026, once again giving fans front-row access to the drivers and teams.

The FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026 returns to Albert Park from 5-8 March.

 Australian Grand Prix Corporation Social Impact Manager, Alex Corry:

“The Australian Grand Prix is about more than what happens on track – it’s about the moments we create for people. Through the Wish Program, we’re proud to help deliver experiences that bring joy, connection and lasting memories to families who deserve something truly special’.”

My Room Children’s Cancer Charity Chief Operating Officer, Margaret Zita OAM:

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for including My Room families in this year’s Wish Program. These wishes create moments of joy and memories that families will hold onto forever, often during the hardest chapter of their lives. Beyond the magic of the experience, the programme plays a powerful role in building awareness, fostering hope, and reminding families that they are seen, supported and not alone”

2025 Make-A-Wish Australia, Wish Program Participant, Jett:

“Seeing inside the garage was my favourite part, and meeting Oscar Piastri and Alex Albon. I couldn’t believe how close you can get to everything, it was so cool!”

Starlight Children’s Foundation Wish Granting Manager, Courtney Smith

“When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, life as they know it is turned upside-down. Programs like this one can be a wonderful source of hope and positive distraction for these children and their families. It gives them something to look forward to, provides valuable connection time and creates wonderful happy memories. Thank you to the Australian Grand Prix for giving these deserving families an experience that they will never forget.”

Tickford Racing Driver, Thomas Randle:

“Being able to play our part in the Wish Program is incredibly special. Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces reminds us how powerful sport can be. We’re looking forward to seeing these kids and their families back at the circuit during race week, soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the event alongside us.”

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