Karyn Lun (1983)
Life in the Formula 1 fast lane
Karyn Lun (1983) is no stranger to the twists and turns of a top gear career.
As engines roared to life at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on the weekend, Karyn Lun was at the heart of the action—serving as Assistant Chief Medical Officer—helping lead the medical team responsible for the safety of drivers, teams and officials at one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events.
It’s a role that requires calm decision-making in high-pressure moments, and one that reflects a career shaped by curiosity, resilience and a few unexpected turns.
After graduating from Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Karyn studied a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at The University of Queensland.
During a farm stay holiday near Canberra, Karyn had every intention of trying horse riding, but the weather had other plans. Instead, the property owner took her on an advanced driving lesson.
`It was so much fun learning to control a car sliding around a small circuit in a muddy paddock. I developed an interest in possible rally driving.'
With a medical career beckoning, she didn't pursue it, but racing came back into her life in an unexpected way. As a junior doctor, Karyn had been unsuccessful on her first Dermatology exam and instead became a General Practitioner. In the early '90s a chance meeting in a carpark stairwell enroute to a GP conference put her back in the fast lane.
The serendipitous encounter with fellow GP Dr Iain Corness—longtime race driver and Quit Racing Team owner—set in motion Karyn’s introduction to circuit racing and the medical chase car, often dubbed `the world’s fastest ambulance'.
After one chase lap I was hooked and began my motorsport journey. I even raced for a year.
Karyn behind the wheel for Quit Racing Team
`If I hadn't failed my first dermatology exam, I wouldn't have worked as a GP, and I wouldn't have ended up in motorsport,'she says, reflecting on how unexpected detours can open entirely new pathways.
After working in General Practice for five years, Karyn faced another turning point when she was offered a second chance to pursue Dermatology.
She began her Fellowship with the Australasian College of Dermatologists, spending a year training at the renowned St John's Institute of Dermatology at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Throughout her career, however, motorsport remained a constant passion.
For the past 30 years, Karyn has worked as a medical official across club events, rally meetings, national Supercar events and international Formula One races.
Today, as Assistant Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Grand Prix, she helps oversee the complex medical planning behind the event.
`My role involves strategic planning and deployment of our medical team assets including doctors, nurses, paramedics, fast intervention vehicles, extrication teams and trackside medical personnel,' she says.
`We work closely with the FIA medical delegates and rescue coordinator, as well as the many officials who help deliver the event.'
Building trust within this environment is critical.
`We belong to the Grand Prix medical team — a group of passionate, like-minded volunteer professionals,' Karyn explains. `Because we are working in a professional medical capacity, clear communication and teamwork are essential. Closed-loop communication helps ensure everyone understands decisions quickly and accurately.'
Despite the glamour often associated with Formula 1, the reality behind the scenes is far less glamorous.
`The days are long,' she says. `Friday briefings can start at 6.30am and the racing may not finish until after 7pm. Saturday begins again before 7am.'
And then there are the unexpected logistical helpers.
`People might also be surprised to learn that ‘Mario’ and ‘Luigi’ play an important role,' Karyn laughs.
`They’re the nicknames for our medical and logistics buggies, which help us move quickly around the track precinct — the distances between posts and paddocks are huge.'
Beyond the track, Karyn is passionate about helping more women find their place in motorsport.
She has served on the Women of Australia Motor Sport Committee and the Australian Women in Motorsport Commission, sits on the National Medical Advisory Committee for Motorsport Australia, and is a Girls on Track Champion through the FIA/Motorsport Australia program.
`You can’t be what you can’t see,' she says.
Programs like FIA Girls on Track aim to raise awareness and show girls the many career opportunities available in motorsport — from engineering and IT to communications, medicine and event operations.
Girls on Track offers a range of programs including Inspire events for girls aged 8–15, Pathways and Empower initiatives for young women aged 15–22, and Career and Mentoring Summits for those considering careers in the industry.
`For students interested in getting involved, I would encourage them to explore upcoming events and opportunities through Motorsport Australia,' Karyn says.
`Registering for a Girls on Track event is a wonderful way to learn about motorsport, meet like-minded people and start building your network.'
Students can find upcoming Girls on Track events and register their interest via Motorsport Australia Girls on Track: https://motorsport.org.au/events/girlsontrack/.
Her advice to young women interested in the field is simple: start by volunteering.
`Becoming a Motorsport Australia official is a fantastic way to learn about the sport from the grassroots level,' she says. `You contribute to events, develop a network, and you might even find your tribe along the way.'
`Volunteering also looks great on a CV — and those connections often lead to opportunities.'
The journey after school is rarely linear, and Karyn’s story is a reminder that unexpected turns can lead to extraordinary destinations.
`Each season begins with a waypoint,' she says. `But the curious thing about turning points is that you often only recognise them well after they’ve happened.
`Be open to possibilities, be curious — and above all, be kind to yourself and those around you.'
Karyn shared reflections on the post-school journey with the Class of 2024 at their Valedictory Dinner, encouraging students to embrace failure and lean into life’s turning points.
Karyn at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix with Race Control team colleagues Chief Medical Officer Dr Brent May, and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jen Coleman