Making the most of the 2023 Australian F1 GP

The Australian F1 GP is always one of the biggest highlights of the F1 schedule. With its enthusiastic fans at the Melbourne Walk and the amazing atmosphere felt around Melbourne it’s a must see event for Formula 1 fans.
Watch as I chat with Valtteri Bottas at his Oath gin launch and spend some time with Oscar Piastri at a city hotel.
But that's not all - I'll show you what Melbourne has to offer F1 fans attending the race. So sit back, relax, and enjoy "Making the Most of the Australian F1 GP" - the ultimate guide for any Formula 1 fan. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button to stay updated on all of my latest travel adventures!
And thanks to Benjamin Muscara from Znth Studios for his Melbourne video vision.
Benjamin Muscara
ZNTH Creative Studios
www.znthcs.com.au
Instagram @znth.cs
Purchase a hand-signed F1 driver print here: www.kymillman.com/signed-f1-d...
Become a channel member and receive monthly free wallpapers, RAW image files after each race, exclusive videos and discounts at my store. VIP members get even more. Click here to join - / @kymillman
See 2022 Grand Prix images live from the track on Instagram bit.ly/2P6l6PY
My digital images are available at www.prostarpics.com/
F1 Photo Books & Merchandise available at www.kymillman.com/store
Follow my journey as an F1 photographer here • My Journey as an F1 Ph...

[@scottmeredith3359]

This brought tears to my eyes. My son has been the light of my life and I’ve been keeping a journal of messages to him as he’s grown (he’s 3 now). It’s part future letter to him, part life lesson, part tribute to how much I love him. I was tickled to see you’ve done your own type of “future messages” to your own son. Great content ❤

[@KymIllman]

Cheers

[@theycallmebigsexy]

Kym, that is the most spectacular gift I have ever seen. Congrats on the beautiful family and being a phenomenal father

[@KymIllman]

You are so kind

[@alyw5087]

You have truly outdone yourself with this video, Kym. Emotional, informative and fun! The blooper at the end was spectacular 😂

[@KymIllman]

It’s got it all

[@themangix357]

Man I wish the best to VB and Tiffany. VB seems to really like Aus. 😃

[@likemike4764]

0:13 smooth transition there kym 😎

[@lizdobson9793]

New Zealand here. We'd like to claim Valtteri Bottas as a Kiwi. He spent some of his off season in NZ, and infamously walked through a prestigious winery here in his speedos! And mullet.

[@dickermanjc]

Kym I really love all of your videos, but this one felt even more special than the rest. Absolutely loved the Melbourne "tour" and would really be keen to see more content like this about Australia. Particularly would love a "tour" of Perth!!!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kellymoran3175]

Kym, hello from Utah! What a fabulous gift to give to your son on his 21st birthday and ultimately bringing him to tear! What an awesome sentiment! Thank you for putting a feeling of warmth in my soul today and thanks for your great F1 videos! PEACE!

[@SimonLant]

Yet another great video Kym, can't wait to see all your Aussie content over the weekend 😀

[@mattykos715]

I love the vid, Kym! Always looking forward to your content and F1 coverage. You're such an amazing photographer and I'm jealous of how many drivers you get to meet and talk with them (and also being respectful to them and not making them uncomfortable with either questions or making the photos). Have a great day and let's hope for an amazing GP this sunday :)

[@loricairns3459]

Oh. My. Heart. Kym, that is the second best gift you could give your son. What a wonderful thing to do! Each word will be imprinted on his heart for the rest of his life. ❤️

[@01dom]

Bottas at the end was a fantastic

[@teamredgutz399]

This is my favorite of your videos. Love it.

[@elitebose]

Always look forward to your videos, keep up the great work!

[@KymIllman]

Much appreciated!

[@tas4976]

That's amazing gift! Happy Birthday to your son! 💞🎉🎁

[@eddypraet3536]

Another great city review Kym,it goes on my to do list,congratulations on the son’s birthday,have fun in Melbourne

[@matthewburdick742]

Such a great video kym. I love the valterri pose at the end at the bar😂

[@aaronactive]

Amazing video on our city! Also that 21st present was crazy. Will be at the F1 today, should be fun and might spot you guys running around!

[@justrob5905]

Great video no great experience thanks for taking us on the journey.

[@chelseajacques_]

watching this after the madness that was the Aussie F1 - great video Kym, and quite a memorable race it was that will be remembered for rather interesting and entertaining reasons. Pity there's a 4 week gap now till Baku.

[@tedm.3961]

You continue to up your game Kym, well done!

[@timgoodall737]

Hi Kym! It was so cool seeing you and saying 'stay passionate' to you and your family on Thursday night in the pit lane of Albert Park. Love your videos, and I can now say I've seen you in person, shaken your hand and spoken to you. Hope you had a good stay in Melbourne, but I have to say Perth is beautiful too.

[@lawrencehill896]

Cracking vid Kym!! I'd love to know more about your full journey (business etc).

[@brandonvelazquez4408]

Is no one gunna talk about the sick transition in the beginning of the video?

[@rahulraghavan8862]

I’ve just been to melbourne for uni and i love it here

[@Nightey]

That travel information part was excellent. Would love to see it for every (nearest) city of the tracks - maybe even a whole video series? :)

[@denniscampbell8513]

Awesome video mate watched it twice my favorite part was the Valtteri content he just seems like a Awesome person 👊🏻💯 Best wishes be safe Dennis Campbell Indianapolis 🏁🏎💨

[@KymIllman]

See you after Miami.

[@lenakatharina3402]

That is THE MOST amazing gift! ❤️ I teared up just watching the footage of him opening the box.

[@KymIllman]

I read about it in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book 23 years ago.

[@matrix35]

You are an amazing husband and Father Kym. That present has not got a price on it. It is a present that will last a lifetime. Your sons reaction just shows what beautiful kind children you and your wife have raised.

[@6058jeremysmith]

Super video Kym ! Thank you …

[@KymIllman]

Glad you liked it!

[@doug5919]

Looks cold over there mate so lm watching it from home . Well done on the 21 st surprise 22 letters brilliant 👍👍👌👌

[@vrccb]

How lucky your 21 year old son is. What a phenomenal gift

[@CitySlicker828]

That’s your best video kym well done

[@Max_Flashheart]

Wow great video Kym I am loving these videos.

[@KymIllman]

I'm so glad!

[@Bala.the.Baldie]

One of my favorite videos of yours

[@KymIllman]

Thanks

[@zeus.edwards2662]

Oscar seems like a really down to earth one of a kind guy..

[@RebelPhoenix13]

What an absolutely incredible video! From the birthday (amazing gift), to the travel experience, Oscar signing, Melbourne tour, and Valtteri gin promo. Honestly, your content just continues to get better!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rc2634]

Great content, as always! Loved the jokes "slowest stairs in the world"🤣

[@KymIllman]

Cheers

[@PuppyPerfect]

I took a photo with you Kym, in the F1 Australia paddock! Remember me, the Ferrari kid.

[@rodrigomonteverdebrazil]

AMAZING😉

[@TreeHuggingDad]

Kym, that is the most beautiful loving gift for your son! Beyond a great photographer, you must be a hell of an amazing dad!

[@warrenw273]

Wow that pulled the heart strings… what an amazing family.. good to see you rocking a Panerai instead of the Rolex.. I’ll keep an eye out for you Quali day (today)

[@francisdirren1083]

Well done Kym. Thanks

[@ptykiller]

Kym, I must say that was very heart warming watching you and your son reading the letters. Happy Birthday kiddo! See you in Miami? Hopefully!

[@sapphirekennedy]

I am such a huge Valtteri fan… it’s so nice to see him thriving and happy with Tiffany- I think he’d make a great Aussie!

[@tumiiandthelegs6853]

I love the style of this video and how it gives a different perspective to some of the other content other creators make around f1. Really cool to see.

[@KymIllman]

I appreciate that!

[@willmushivochi3711]

Kim, I have followed and watched your vlog over the last couple of years and this is really good stuff! 7 Stars!

[@KymIllman]

Thanks.

[@larrydavid7657]

Love your videos!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you like them!

[@karenhicks7816]

Congratulations 🎉 May all your bday wishes come true1

[@kuchintamy]

Love your channel. Started following for the F1 content. Enjoying it much more still with, not just F1 related, but also numerous varied other subject matter, especially your travel videos ... how do you find the time for your numerous content 😮!?!

[@KymIllman]

I don’t stop working.

[@ChristTheRedeemer999]

Kym, all I can say is that your a modern day artist and an innovator in the F1 world. Keep up the great work that goes into these video's, we enjoy every minute of them.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks, will do!

[@colesmore]

Good to see you've got your local on board in Melbourne for the 2-3 mins of local content film. Great footage and commentary, and can't wait to see it evolve through the rest of the races.

[@KymIllman]

Many thanks!

[@adamclark-lynch6068]

Hey mate! We laughed out loud what you said about Qantas. We literally started to watch your video from a break from numerous Qantas phone calls after they changed our flights to Italy in a couple weeks! Haha! PS, might see you in a few weeks, we are travelling to Imola, Monaco and Barcelona!!! Keep the top work up mate, love it!

[@tralee4278]

My fav f1 channel ❤❤ And also someone needs to give me driver jet codes to watch 😂

[@marty5237]

Wow! Kym, a most amazing gift!!! ❤ Is that green tunnel light indicating the speed limit or the speed at which traffic is moving? I wonder if speeds drop below the limit it goes yellow, or if very slow, red. I work in transportation and haven’t seen this. I plan to discuss with my mates at work. Fascinating! Just like all of your content. 😘 Thank you! This is my favorite video of yours. So very diverse, interesting, and informative!

[@vyomakeshaconsultancy3406]

Nice portrayal of your family and son's gift you couldn't have done a better job Kym . Also the pre race event youve created of Oscar signing your prints cheers.Gowra

[@marty5237]

Thanks!

[@LuciferMorningstarDanny]

You’re a good man and obv a great role model and father Kym . Love the videos always .

[@KymIllman]

I appreciate that

[@CallieMasters5000]

Car, Rolex? No, it's a box of letters! 😢 He doesn't know whether to cry tears of joy or sadness on this one!

[@salmanazam9444]

I gotta say Bottas looks so good with the new look.

[@activegrip]

It was a pleasure to look after you and the fam on your flight Kym, didn't know it was your son's 21st, we could have sung HB over the PA😂...next time🎉...cheers Mitch

[@KymIllman]

It was my pleasure.

[@victors16811]

Waooo gonna start doing that for my daughter!! Amazing dad!

[@clivecorfield2823]

Kym, that is such cool plan about letter to son ! Keep up good Videos, Big fan Clive from Vancouver Canada.

[@KymIllman]

It’s a huge time investment but having done it for both boys I’m delighted it’s complete.

[@xjwalker]

I managed to grab a moment with Kym on Thursday in the paddock and he instantly starting telling me about his sons awesome work on recent videos. A great bloke and a great father too, lovely to meet you Kym 👍

[@KymIllman]

Rock on!

[@Antonio88870]

Great video! Must be nice to do your job at home with family around. Melbourne looks like a great city. By the way, Melbourne is represented on the mobile racing game Real Racing 3 with a street circuit mounted digitally across those roads and it goes right next to the Flinders Street Station. Never been to Australia but I can quite easily go around that track around Google Maps due to years of gaming, hahaha

[@peterjeppesen8198]

I can not agree with you more Kym Qantas has gone to the pack

[@lynnerattray9642]

Any more you can do with bottas would be very welcome. LOVE your family ❣️

[@sadlaw2799]

I was in tears, you're a great dad Kym.

[@bobateacuber7646]

I agree with the Qantas sentiment. Usually travelled with Virgin around Australia and sometimes internationally, it was great even without entertainment screens. Good support staff and on board. Had to travel Qantas to Tokyo as there was a direct Brisbane to Tokyo flight. It was an absolute nightmare, they deleted one of our JAL flights and we could only get it back through insurance and not through their support. Also saw the horrendous stories about missing luggage with them It was unfortunate, because their on plane staff are wonderful.

[@sneakygypsy23]

Wow Melbourne looks beautiful, had no idea

[@KymIllman]

It really is!

[@adgersparky1718]

Writing letters every year is such an inspirational idea! I have 2 young sons and I will start doing this for them now 🙏 love the content keep up the great work 💪

[@KymIllman]

Yes! Thank you!

[@CrAzY__SaM]

3:47 We enjoy all your videos ✌️😁

[@DanielEarlester]

Looks like Valteri will be making the most of the Australian GP too.

[@tiadaid]

21 years ago - Kimi Raikkonen made his debut for McLaren, Alonso moved to Renault as a test driver before taking over the next year, and Schumi was dominating in his Ferrari. Honestly, it still feel like 10 years ago in my mind…

[@johnd9357]

Kym how do you set up the arrangement with the drivers to sign photos? I assume they are compensated? I’m very curious because I might like to start doing this with drivers in the states.

[@jonny2906]

Kym, I completely agree about Qantas. They used to be the best airline in the world. But now you aren’t sure if your flight will be cancelled, whether you are in the right area of the airport or whether you will get consistent service. Their staff look tired all the time. Probably because they are having to make up for the lack of service provided at other checkpoints. Or because they constantly have to explain themselves. Great video though. Love your content. Keep it up.

[@jonathanlawrence1401]

1:30 Salty Kim is a surprise. Usually so positive!

[@bertko1710]

Really love your voiceovers

[@KymIllman]

Muchos Gracias

[@SuperSymbol]

Degraves Street during Covid-19 many shop in that street closed that there’s so many new shops now..

[@sapphirekennedy]

Here in the US, we also have problems with calls going to call centers out of country! Except ours are usually directed to India

[@dingus2218]

Oscar seems like a mega chiller

[@Fowlos09]

Vallerti's voice screams old school James Bond to me for some reason

[@roamingbarista5881]

You chose a great venue for your son,s special occasion and very touching gesture are your letters dedicated to him. I worked at Frasers for a good part of 13 years under Chris Taylor and the O,Briens Proprietary Ltd. I was also assigned to look after the private dining room and have had the pleasure to rub shoulders with working class clients right up to well known public figures. Was interesting to see they got rid of the Toodyay stone tables outside. They were unstealable due to their weight. Keep up the great content. I always look forward to your next video. Enjoy Melbourne.

[@KymIllman]

I’ve had a number of functions in the private room there

[@terryrobertson8382]

Thanks Kym. After I give #4 to Cody I will have him watch this video, it should be quite the surprise.

[@jayxknight]

Good to see a NZ beer on tape in Aussie. Little Creatures

[@CJ-gp9yh]

Kym and Bottas should host a podcast

[@Ilikeformulaone]

What gift Kym your amazing

[@SamanthaKavuma]

As a person from South Africa, it does not surprise me that you’ve had a bad call centre experience. Call centres are all kinda like that across industries

[@nathaliebelanger1677]

I thought the temperature would be higher than that. I thought it was summer there!

[@EMichaelBall]

Early autumn, and a maritime climate

[@vincentmanjera455]

So u mean that guy was part of that iconic tweet? ...i wont be driving for ...

[@shaxxs]

Kym, you mention about the date and time used in camera metadata a bit there, do you have to set it up for each race location you went to, or does the camera automatically could change the time zone on its own?

[@KymIllman]

Have to set the time manually

[@MotoX071]

Maybe I was not listening properly but what specific podcast will you be on?

[@nathaliebelanger1677]

Don’t complain! You’re in Australia. I would liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike to be there! Say hello to Lando, Checo, Lewis, Danny Ric and carlos!! From Nathalie in Canada! 🇨🇦

[@wiggiesmallsaka9011]

Hi kym, i have to ask: where can i get that amazing totebag you are carrying at 9:56 ?

[@tomporcinus]

no surprise here, just another great video from Kym. Looking forward to learning what the drivers' private planes are. But I do have a question: at 5:04 what timepiece is on your wrist? I kinda recognize it but I don't know exactly, just want to point out the unique font of the 12, and it is a chronograph, and the wraparound on the crown...please enlighten us.

[@KymIllman]

Panerai Daylight

[@tomporcinus]

@@KymIllman thank you sir. If all the watches on the drivers' wrists, which one would you want for yourself if $$ was no object? And which one if you had to purchase with your own money?

[@EMichaelBall]

Can’t speak for Kym, but you should get an Apple Watch, not as a watch, it’s a health monitor. Fall and car crash detection, with automatic emergency dialing. ECG meter for heart arrhythmia. Sleep tracking. Built-in payment system more convenient and secure than physical cards in multiple ways.

[@toe102]

Middle park 🥰

[@MattHD85]

You should do a video based on your credit card rewards for travelling and how you earn perks .

[@mipko]

That Panerai was lit...

[@KymIllman]

Yes

[@RobShaffer]

Just wondering, when you sell those signed prints do the drivers get a cut of the sale?

[@CallieMasters5000]

They don't do anything for free.

[@DanielOliverRacing]

Amazing gift for your boy. QQ: Any plans for a Lewis signed print? Would love to see it! All the best!

[@KymIllman]

He hasn’t said no yet

[@DanielOliverRacing]

@@KymIllman Fingers crossed then!

[@IvanValdovinos]

More of Checo Please!!!! One signed form Monaco!!!

[@jeffmattel7867]

Fantastic videos that add to the magic of the F1 weekend.

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it