Formula 1 seems like the most glamorous motorsport event in the world. It showcases high-speed driving, adrenaline, and thrust, but behind the scenes, a dedicated group of members works 24x7 to ensure everything runs smoothly and in a coordinated manner. They also look after the safety of the fans, drivers, and even trespassers during the race weekends. These are the backbone of security infringements that a successful Formula 1 race takes place. Who are these members? These are the real heroes of the race track, known as F1 Marshals.
Formula 1 Marshals are the people who are real motorsport enthusiasts. Formula 1 starts with them and ends with them. F1 Marshals play a crucial role in organizing the race around different corners of the world. They are also known as race officials, depending on the designation they are working on. Marshaling an F1 team of fans is not an easy task. It will take pain to give up your time and be eager to be part of the racing community. If you have a passion or an adrenaline rush to be a member of the marshaling team, then you are in the right place to kick-start your career as an F1 marshal.
Roles of F1 Marshals
If you are an F1 fan, you probably believe that an F1 marshal's only responsibility is to remove debris from the tracks left by damaged cars or move them to a safer location off the track. But the role of F1 marshals has much wider job responsibilities than you think. Remember, as I told you before, F1 marshals sometimes refer to race officials. This is because of the different job roles they are designated for. Let us better understand the different key roles or responsibilities an F1 marshal takes during the race weekend.
Trackside Marshals: These are the marshals who are vigorously found on the different sides of the racing track, covering every sector of the circuit. These are the ones who can be seen on the TV screen during the race weekend. Their main objective is to open the track and remove any debris found on the track during and after the race weekend. They are also responsible for removing damaged or accidental cars from the track to a safer place.
Flag Marshals: These marshals are responsible for communicating with drivers using flags. These flags act as warning signals to drivers about the upcoming potential incidents that might occur or have occurred on the race track.
Medical Marshals: These F1 Marshals are referred to as the best marshals ever excited on the F1 track. Their main job is to look after the injured driver or track personnel if any racing incident occurs. They also look after the lives and safety of other marshals on the track. They work alongside the medical professionals.
Pit Lane Marshals: Their main job is to rectify the starting grid position before the commencement of the actual race. They also ensure that every driver is positioned by the starting line and assure the driver's safety as well.
Startline/Grid Marshals: They ensure that every driver is present on the track and is correctly lined up on the grid. If any driver gets to struggle with the car, then they are responsible for raising the flag a few seconds before the race begins.
Administrative Marshals: These marshals are mainly present behind the scenes and perform work beyond the racing track. They are responsible for paddock safety, pit crew members, post-race chiefs, and other groups of marshals. They also play a vital role in the hospitality of the race arena.
So depending upon the job roles and nature of the work. The marshals were positioned on the trackside roles as well as beyond the trackside roles. Whether the incident happened on the track or beyond the track, the marshal should be ready to perform his duties.
How To Become F1 Marshal?
To become an F1 Marshal, there are a set of fundamental rules that an individual needs to follow. There are different grades given to the training scout depending on the experience and description of the role a marshal can perform.
Qualifications
There is no need to acquire any qualifications to become an F1 Marshal. But it does not mean that you simply go to the race track and register yourself to be a marshal. There are certain rules that an individual should keep in mind before applying for the job of race marshal. Some important points are mentioned below for your understanding.
The candidate must be at least 18 years of age or older.
As a rookie, you will have to join the marshal community in the lower division of racing. You will have to marshal short-form local racing taking place on a local track during the weekends.
Build your persona, improve your qualification skills, and improve your physical fitness, as this is a field job and you will have to stand for long hours at the same spot on the track. Your physical fitness is essential, as you have to perform your duties in every weather condition.
You should master the craft of providing safety to everyone present on the race track. If a car catches fire, the marshals are the ones who extinguish the car and ensure the safety of the car and driver as well.
Skills:
There are a few essential skills that a new rookie should master before joining the marshal community. Some crucial skills are as follows:
Communication & Teamwork: As you are beginning your career as an F1 Marshal, your main objective is to ensure the safety of others. So a strong communication skill should be present in you, as it boosts the confidence of the people who get stuck at any racing track.
Focus & Attention Attitude: As an F1 Marshal, you are part of the biggest community in motorsport. Without you, we, as fans, can’t think about motorsport. A keen, detailed eye is needed to identify the incident that occurred on the track. You have to be more aware of incidents that occur at race events.
Leadership & Mentorship: You should build up your character as an experienced marshal. You have to get into volunteer activities not just in F1 races but also in other racing series.
What Is The Salary of an F1 Marshal?
Now here comes the important point for any job role to take over. See, being an F1 Marshal is just like working for a company as a freelancer. So your stipend or salary is not fixed as per company standards. Whereas F1 Marshals are not paid for their work. Yes, you heard it right; they are not paid. Instead, they are all volunteers who contribute their time, lives, and efforts towards the safety of motorsport events.
They work for us, so we, as fans, should witness the best racing experience ever. These people choose passion over pay, which plays an important role in running the racing event safely and with precautions. They are the backbone of racing events, and without them, no racing event would look safer and more sober. These are the real heroes of F1.
How Do You Begin Your Career as An F1 Marshal?
Well, if you came across this section of the article, then you might think about how an individual can boost their career in marshaling. Well, few organizations have the criteria to train the aspirant or scout to be the marshal. However, one of the foremost organizations is the British Motorsport Marshalling Club (BMMC). If you register yourself as a marshal, then you might become a member of the British Rally Marshals Club.
However, at last, I will share some honorable websites that provide some valuable information about starting your career as an F1 Marshal. Please follow this link and enhance your career in the realm of F1.
What do you think about the life of a Formula One Marshal? If you want to apply, you can visit the above-mentioned link. Check out our most recent blogs to learn more about igniting your passion for Formula One and launching a career as a member of the pit crew.
To know about other career options available in Formula 1. Read our Guide about Career Options In Formula 1
