Influencers, models, execs and media types who had spent the day fearing their outfits would not manage Melbourne’s soaring temperatures at the grand prix’s Glamour on the Grid party pivoted to a more pressing concern: does the new luxury brand sponsor, Louis Vuitton, have a line of rainwear? As Melbourne’s glitterati gathered trackside, the first lightning flash, followed seconds later by a crash of thunder, hit at 7.16pm, causing a flock of birds to hastily evacuate Albert Park and head north. If only Melbourne’s red carpet crowd could be so lucky. Operatives from the AMPR agency were soon heard muttering a new mantra, “It will clear in 10 minutes, it will clear in 10 minutes”, as large golf umbrellas from Crown became the hottest accessory on the night. The Glamour on the Grid party, held trackside at the Albert Park raceway on Wednesday night, proved a couple of local truisms: never bet on Melbourne’s weather and no major event can get by without members of the Collingwood Football Club.