Angelique Vitale and Tyra Lawler-Cass, both graduates of the 2024 FIA Girls on Track – Career Development and Mentoring program, experienced an extraordinary opportunity with the Kick Sauber F1 Team.
As part of the FIA Girls on Track initiative, in partnership with Motorsport Australia, the duo took on internship roles during the 2025 Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix, immersing themselves in the electrifying realm of Formula 1.
Chosen by Motorsport Australia and the Kick Sauber F1 Team, Angelique and Tyra were propelled into the dynamic atmosphere of a Formula 1 operation.
The pair collaborated closely with Almira Tabakovic, the team’s Head of Sustainability, who outlined the daily schedule and crucial tasks.
“Each day kicked off with a team briefing, where we reviewed our schedule and readied ourselves for the day ahead,” Angelique shared.
“To get ready, I meticulously examined the agenda, noting down the timings for my garage tours, monitoring any changes, and highlighting essential tasks,” added Tyra.
“The schedule was clear and concise, but given the fast-paced nature of Formula 1, last-minute changes were certainly part of the experience.”
Among their key tasks was conducting garage tours for Kick Sauber F1 Team’s title sponsors.
“We led partners through the intricacies of our team, offering them an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of the garage to ensure a memorable experience,” Angelique noted.
“It was an excellent opportunity to reinforce the team’s connections with its commercial partners by bringing them closer to the action.”
While most of the weekend unfolded seamlessly, the girls encountered a few unanticipated challenges during the garage tours that imparted valuable lessons.
“Some guests arrived late, missed their assigned slots, or even tried to snap photos in restricted areas,” Tyra explained.
“These minor yet crucial hurdles demanded quick-thinking problem solving. I had to act swiftly and communicate updates to the wider team promptly.”
The girls also had the chance to follow the Kick Sauber F1 Media Team, gaining a rare insight into the realm of Formula 1 communications.
“We assisted Vanessa, the Communications Manager at Kick Sauber, gaining firsthand knowledge of how a driver’s media responsibilities are managed at the highest level,” Angelique said.
“We witnessed the handling of print and broadcast media and the individual media slots for the team, observing the meticulous preparation and coordination needed to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Seeing how a driver’s media commitments are managed—balancing interviews, press engagements, and PR strategy—was an invaluable experience.”
On the Thursday, Angelique and Tyra guided the current Girls on Track participants through the paddock and the Kick Sauber garages.
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“Having participated in the program myself just a year prior, it felt surreal to now be supporting from the other side, contributing to an initiative that had a significant impact on my journey,” Angelique conveyed.
“It was a genuine full-circle moment and a reminder of how quickly opportunities can unfold when you’re passionate and committed to your path.”
This hands-on experience not only offered Angelique and Tyra an insider’s perspective of a Formula 1 team but also reinforced their aspirations for the future.
“Discovering the finer, technical aspects of how a Formula 1 team functions has enhanced my enthusiasm and love for the sport,” Tyra stated.
“I’m determined to become a reporter for Formula 1; I dream of picking up a microphone to interview people and helping them convey their feelings.”
“I aspire to work in partnership management for a Formula 1 team or to manage a young driver,” Angelique shared.
“I want to assist a young driver in advancing through the ranks to realise their dream.”
Both girls expressed immense appreciation to Kick Sauber F1 Team and Motorsport Australia for their incredible opportunity.
“From the mechanics to the managers, everyone welcomed us warmly,” Tyra shared.
“The team genuinely recognised our contributions, which is a powerful reminder that even the smallest effort can create a significant impact.”
“A huge reason I felt so welcomed and appreciated during my time with the team stemmed from two remarkable women: Almira, the Sustainability Manager, and Krystina Emmanouilides, the Senior Aero Correlation Engineer and FIA Girls on Track Ambassador,” Angelique elaborated.
“Both are passionate advocates for empowering women, and their support and expertise played key roles in helping me feel integrated into the team and enhancing my overall experience.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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