This Just In: Arbory Afloat's Floating Tennis Court Is Now (Checks Notes) Home to the Audi F1 Car Fleet
Melbourne’s most chaotic patch of pontoon real estate has transformed into the public HQ for Audi’s Formula 1 debut during the 2026 Australian Grand Prix — complete with F1 show cars craned onto the Yarra.
Fresh off hosting a floating Lacoste tennis court during the Australian Open, Afloat has pivoted from baseline rallies to pit lanes, transforming its Yarra River footprint into the public headquarters for Audi's Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix. Yes, the same floating bar that's served spritzes and Amalfi-core summers is now, temporarily, a motorsport hub.
And in case you were wondering how one installs a fleet of race cars onto a floating venue in the middle of the CBD — they were craned in over the Yarra.
From Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, Afloat will become the on-water home of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, complete with a Floating Showroom featuring the team's R26 show car and Audi's 'Crocodile'-liveried R8 LMP — the latter famously winning the 2000 'Race of a Thousand Years' in Adelaide. Expect serious hardware, suspended (briefly) above Birrarung before landing on deck.
The activation also includes live Grand Prix screenings across both levels, driving simulators, an interactive "Mission Control" wall, and even a 180-degree spatial film experience via Apple Vision Pro. Outside of the tech and tyres, the usual Afloat energy remains intact, with sunset DJ sets soundtracking the race-week chaos and a themed food and drink lineup leaning into the "refuelling" concept.
Walk-ins can access the team experiences, while table bookings remain available for those who'd prefer their motorsport with a side of all-day dining and a guaranteed seat.
Audi Revolut F1 Team at Afloat runs March 5–8, 11am–1am daily. For a closer look at what might be Melbourne's most high-octane riverside moment yet, head to Afloat's website.
Images: supplied
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