Optus partners with Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2023

What better way to celebrate one of Australia’s favourite racing events of the year than partnering with Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix™ 2023? Welcoming our Chief of Optimism and F1® driver, Daniel Ricciardo back on home soil, Optus brought speed, excitement, celebrity, and technology to the trackside this year.

Optus proudly partnered with the Australian Grand Prix to bring our latest tech to one of Australia’s favourite racing sports, Formula 1. With our contribution, Optus customers and Grand Prix attendees were able to enjoy Australia’s fastest 5G mobile network (for download speeds as awarded by Opensignal)¹ on race days.

What happened?

Optus, the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2023, and Supercar team Mobil 1 Optus Racing collaborated on a range of activities throughout the 2023 F1 event to surprise and delight customers and fans. From the innovative OPTU5G VR Track Tour to fan engagements with Optus’ Chief of Optimism Daniel Ricciardo and Mobil 1 Optus Racing driver and current Supercars Championship leader Chaz Mostert, there was much to look forward to.

The new OPTU5G VR Track Tour provided fans on the ground with the chance to jump in the driver’s seat with Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo and take a virtual flight tour over Albert Park racetrack.

What does our team have to say?

From Optus Chief of Optimism – Daniel Ricciardo:

“It’s always great to be back home in Australia. It was the first race I’ve attended in the 2023 season, and I’m excited to be back in the Red Bull Racing garage in my new role. I’ve been spending time in the simulator back in the UK so I’m looking forward to seeing the car in action.

“I had a busy weekend getting stuck in with the team on everything from engineering to activations. I also spent some time with Optus as their Chief of Optimism, meeting some of their new faces and key customers, and planning our activities for the year ahead. I’m also delighted to be the main man behind the OPTU5G VR Track Tour – an immersive virtual tour of Albert Park, located in the Fan Zone - it’s an adrenaline rush for the senses!”

From Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager of Sales and Commercial – Darian Misko: 

"We were excited to team up with Optus once again in 2023 to provide fans with an exhilarating virtual reality experience that will get them as close to driving an F1® car as possible, with none other than Daniel Ricciardo cheering them on.

“Fans were able to soak in the entirety of Albert Park while driving at extreme speeds, making for an unforgettable event.” 

From Optus’ Managing Director of Marketing and Revenue – Matt Williams:

"At Optus, we’re all about bringing our customers fast speeds, which is why we’re thrilled to have partnered with the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix™ 2023.

"Just like our 5G network, Daniel and Chaz embody the Optus ethos of speed, innovation and performance which made them the perfect partners to work with on this grand-scale racing event in Melbourne.

“In addition to all the exciting activities that took place in the lead up to the event, we also showcased our Optus 5G on the track, using VR technology with the OPTU5G VR Track Tour.

 “Optus provided an experience like no other for fans to wow the crowds and leave a lasting impression, building on its ambition to become Australia’s most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships.”

Find  out more about our Chief of Optimism Daniel Ricciardo and Optus Ambassador Chaz Mostert.

^{[1] 5G is available in selected areas. Actual download speeds may vary by area. Check website for coverage. Opensignal Awards – Australia: Mobile Network Experience Report, October 2022.}