F1 EXPLAINS: How marshals act as the ‘first line of safety’ for F1 drivers

Without marshals, we wouldn't be able to go racing. In their bright orange jumpsuits, they are hard to miss. Hundreds of them are dotted around the track to ensure the safety of all the drivers competing in every series during a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.

So how do they keep drivers safe? What roles are different marshals performing at different parts of the circuit? How do they know which flags to wave? What’s the process they go through when responding to incidents on track? And how do they work with Race Control?

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, F1 Explains hosts Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne speak to Mike Vandament and Jennifer Kelly, both of whom volunteer as marshals at the Circuit of The Americas, to answer your questions about what they do during a race weekend.

And if you're interested in becoming a marshal, Sydney Davis Yagel works for the Sports Car Club of America. It’s her job to get people started with marshalling and other trackside jobs. Sydney tells Christian and Katie how she gives people those opportunities and what type of person she thinks makes a good marshal.

The full episode of F1 Explains is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcast apps, or you can listen using the player above on this page.

F1 Explains is the award-winning official F1 podcast which answers your questions about the sport. You can send your questions to F1Explains@F1.com.