Former FIA Race Director Condemns Las Vegas GP Marshals' Live Track Presence

Former FIA Formula 1 Race Director Niels Wittich has strongly criticized the presence of marshals on the live track during the opening lap of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, labeling the situation as "absolutely unacceptable." The incident, which saw marshals running across the circuit to clear debris from race-start collisions, has raised serious safety concerns, especially given that cars were already returning for their flying laps.

Why it matters:

The safety of all personnel, especially marshals, is paramount in Formula 1. An incident like this, where track workers are exposed to live racing conditions, represents a critical lapse in safety protocols. Wittich's condemnation underscores the severity of the situation and highlights ongoing concerns about operational oversight at F1 events, particularly after a similar occurrence earlier in the season.

The details:

• The Incident: During the first lap of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, marshals were observed on the track, collecting debris from initial collisions, while F1 cars were still circulating at high speeds and returning for their next lap.
• Wittich's Stance: Speaking to Sky Germany, Wittich stated, "This must not happen. This is a situation that is absolutely unacceptable." He noted that while marshals are often on standby at Turn 1 for debris, the delay in clearing the track meant cars were already on their flying laps, making a double yellow flag insufficient.
• Proposed Solution: Wittich emphasized that a full course yellow could have been activated "within one second" to slow down all cars, offering the fastest and simplest way to secure the situation. He expressed surprise that such an error occurred for the second time this year.
• Wittich's Background: Wittich served as an F1 Race Director from 2022 to 2024, initially alongside Eduardo Freitas and then solo. He was replaced by Rui Marques for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a move he publicly claimed to be surprised by and lacked explanation for.

The big picture:

This incident is not isolated, echoing previous concerns about track safety and marshalling procedures. While F1 constantly strives for optimal safety for drivers, these lapses indicate that operational safety for track personnel may still need refinement. Wittich's comments, coming from an experienced former race director, carry significant weight and call for a thorough review of marshal deployment protocols, especially during critical race phases like the opening lap.

What's next:

The FIA will likely face increased scrutiny and pressure to address these safety concerns. Expect a review of marshal training, communication protocols, and the deployment of safety car or full course yellow procedures. The goal will be to ensure such incidents do not recur, maintaining the highest safety standards for everyone involved in Formula 1 racing, from drivers to track personnel.