Josh Heuston and Mel Jarnson. Photography: Peter Van Alphen

EACH YEAR, Melbourne captures the racing world’s attention as the Formula 1 season roars to life at Albert Park. But before the action unfolded trackside, Belvedere Vodka set the tone with a glitzy Australian Grand Prix pre-party. The city’s chic new hotspot, Maison Bâtard, became the epicentre of celebration as Belvedere 10 made its debut as the first-ever Official Vodka of Formula 1. The exclusive affair was a celebration of luxury, featuring an intimate dinner that showcased Belvedere 10 – the brand’s new ultra-premium vodka, housed in a sculptural bottle.

A star-studded crowd gathered in a city alive with racing excitement for the soirée; embracing the ‘Parisian cocktail’ dress code, many opted for the brand’s signature monochrome palette of black and white. Guests included Australian actors Josh Heuston and Mel Jarnson, along with musician Jerome Farah, model Emma Boyd, dancer Mimi Elashiry as well as presenter Elliot Garnaut, designer Sener Besim, and photographer/director Yasmin Suteja, who lensed Esquire’s July 2024 digital cover with actor Toby Wallace.

Photography: Peter Van Alphen

The evening’s menu extended to luxe Belvedere cocktails, perfectly paired with a decadent four-course spread featuring Maison Bâtard’s signature dishes – spanner crab tart, caviar with blinis, and chateaubriand. As the night continued, the celebration moved to Le Club, where guests enjoyed caviar bumps and Belvedere 10 ‘drops,’ while DJ Sasha Fern kept the energy at its peak.

Marking a new era of luxury in Formula 1, Belvedere Vodka – synonymous with craftsmanship and opulence – brings a sense of sophistication and fun to the race-going experience. All weekend, exclusive trackside venues served signature Belvedere cocktails, adding an indulgent touch to the high-speed action. The festivities culminated on Sunday with the debut of House of 10 at Melbourne’s Ms Collins nightclub, the Official After-Party of the Grand Prix, which closed out an unforgettable week of celebrations.

Scroll on to glimpse all the best behind-the-scenes moments from the party.

Photography: Peter Van Alphen
Photography: Peter Van Alphen
Photography: Peter Van Alphen
Photography: Peter Van Alphen

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