Influencers cut for guest list
Influencers were left off the guest list for the grand prix’s inaugural event, Glamor on the Grid, but now some of them are back on board.
Australian Grand Prix boss Travis Auld wants to recreate the event by reducing numbers for the opening party, which previously saw up to 800 black tie and ballgown guests descend on pitlane for an evening of champagne, shucked-to-order oysters and lobster rolls.
In past years, Glamor on the Grid has been packed with social media influencers, but this year only 450 guests were invited to join what organizers say is a “highly curated guest list of global entertainers, sports icons, cultural leaders and creatives.”
Auld says Grand Prix Corporation has received feedback regarding the number of influencers attending, but insists the cuts are not specifically about having fewer influencers, but rather about the balance of guests.
“Influencers is a very broad term,” he says. “We have people who are die-hard F1 fans. We have people who come because they love music, fashion or food.”
Some influencers who were excluded from the guest list, such as TikToker Kimerah Ramnath, known as “F1Kimiz”, complained about their exclusion on social media.
“I didn’t get invited to Glamor on the Grid this year and you know how much of a problem that is,” Ramnath said. “The logic I understood was that this year is more exclusive, that’s totally fine, I don’t fit into your more privileged demographic.”
However, on Monday, Ramnath took to social media again to celebrate his invitation following complaints from his followers.
“We did it!” he told his followers. “My invitation to Glamor on the Grid has arrived. My problem now is that today is Monday, Glamor on the Grid is on Wednesday, I need a dress.”
Ramnath posted a mood board with the dresses he wanted to wear to the event and asked for help from anyone in Melbourne who could “help me with dresses”.
The changes to Glamor on the Grid are part of a wider change to the Australian Grand Prix, with Qatar Airways as the new naming rights sponsor. Luxury giant Louis Vuitton served as the main sponsor for only one year and was relegated to luggage sponsor this year.
Organizers claimed the revamped Glamor on the Grid event would be “reimagined as a more intimate and elevated experience” but declined to say whether budget for the event had been cut.
“I don’t think we’re targeting a specific audience and saying we want more or less from you,” Auld says. “Making sure there are more comfortable and more manageable numbers.”
Guests will enter the starting line of the Albert Park circuit instead of the pit lane and will be offered a tasting of Penfold’s Grange wine.
Despite claims of a “globally acclaimed” guest list, there are no Hollywood celebrities on the list and even politicians are likely to be thin on the field. Prime Minister Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader Jess Wilson are staying away.
Three-time F1 world champion Jackie Stewart is expected to attend, as well as Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Martin Pakula, Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Dimopoulos and Mayor Nick Reece.
The guest list includes Winter Olympics Cooper Woods and Scotty James and his wife Chloe Stroll, whose brother is Aston Martin Formula One driver Lance Stroll.
Invited business leaders include Mecca founder Jo Horgan, Mushroom CEO Matt Gudinski and Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai.
F1 drivers are focusing on resting before the race or attending sponsor commitments elsewhere in Melbourne, but some of their partners are also expected to attend, including Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson’s partner Hannah St John and Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas’ partner Tiffany Cromwell.
The Australian cyclist says he’s looking forward to the chance to ditch his sportswear and don black tie.
“I absolutely love the opportunity to dress up whenever possible because I spend most of my life in sweatpants,” says Cromwell. “I’m looking forward to experiencing it, seeing who else is there and whether there are any friendly faces. Obviously, it’s a grid that’s quite unique; not everyone can get there on a race weekend.”
Cromwell says he’s happy to hear about the changes to Glamor on the Grid.
“I prefer smaller events, to be honest,” says Cromwell. “Sometimes when it’s so big it can feel a little overwhelming. So to make it more intimate, it gives you more of a chance to actually meet other people and mingle a little more.”
Bec Judd and her husband, former Carlton legend Chris Judd, made the cut and although the stunning Rozalia Russian did not attend, it wasn’t because she wasn’t invited but instead she prioritized an event for her children.
Some influencers will always be welcome at a Melbourne event.
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