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AI GeneratedF1

The SECRET button that STARTS every F1 RACE!

March 31, 2025

Capturing the start of a Formula 1 race from the start tower was an exhilarating experience. Located about 30 meters in front of the start line at the Shanghai International Circuit, it offered a unique perspective that I had never experienced in my 150 races as an F1 photographer.

Starting tower at Shanghai International Circuit

So, who is responsible for initiating this high-stakes moment? Enter Rebecca Lee, the official starter for Formula 1. Not only does she start F1 races, but she also oversees F2, F3, and academy races. Notably, she made history in 2023 as the first woman to hold this prestigious role, taking over from Christian Brill.

Rebecca Li, first female F1 starter

This is an important job, with millions of viewers tuning in, and ideally, her actions go unnoticed—as everything just flows seamlessly. I had the chance to photograph Rebecca during the recent sprint race at the Shanghai circuit, and when I asked her if the responsibility felt nerve-wracking, she admitted that it was more stressful in categories like F2 and F3 where the drivers are less experienced.

Photographing the start at the Shanghai International Circuit

But what leads up to that pivotal moment when Rebecca presses the button to start the race? About an hour before the race begins, she and her assistant Chris head to the gantry to check all equipment and program the start sequence. This includes a large monitor, communication unit, and two panels—one with a screen and the other housing the buttons needed to start or abort a race.

Gantry setup for race start

For a 3 PM race, the pit lane opens at 2:20 PM, allowing cars to circle the track. They can’t access the pit straight at this time due to setup activities. The cars transition through the pit lane at speeds of 60 to 80 km/h, while the crew is busy preparing for the start.

At 2:30 PM, the pit lane closes, and cars head to their starting boxes. After the national anthem, essential team members and marshals leave the grid, and F1 security sweeps the track for any lingering stragglers.

Pit lane during preparation

At 2:55 PM, two of the five lights automatically illuminate as part of the pre-programmed sequence, indicating the minutes until the formation lap starts. While there are four rows of lights facing the drivers, only two are used. There are also additional lights halfway along the grid for backmarkers who might not see the main lights.

F1 starting lights

Grid marshals, assigned to every car, monitor proceedings. They wear pit lane tabards and carry remote controls. As the countdown begins, the medical car is positioned behind the field, and if something goes amiss, the starter can alert race control via radio.

At 2:59 PM, a crucial message flashes on the board: no one is allowed to touch any of the twenty cars. As the last light goes out at 3 PM, the cars roar off on their formation lap, with marshals and crew quickly vacating the track.

Cars heading off for formation lap

This process is slightly different for F2 and F3, but for F1 academy races, grid marshals must leave the track three minutes prior to the race start for safety reasons. The front jack man is responsible for communicating timing, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

During the formation lap, which lasts 3 to 4 minutes, security locks down the gates along the pit lane, and marshals ensure the grid is clean. They are meticulous about removing any debris that could cause issues.

Ensuring the grid is clean

Upon returning to their starting boxes, drivers stop in the correct position. Their assigned marshal then presses a green button on their remote, illuminating a green light on the display board. This is crucial for tracks like Monaco, where visibility can be limited.

As the field is set, with the medical car positioned at the rear, a marshal waves a green flag. Rebecca then presses the start button, causing the lights to illuminate one after another. After a final visual check, she ensures all lights go off simultaneously, and the race begins.

Start button being pressed

But what if an issue arises, like a car stalling? The marshal can press a yellow button to flash warning lights, and if the start needs to be aborted, the abort button is pressed, triggering a sequence of yellow lights. If a driver starts from the pit lane, the starter must manually change the red light to green once the last car has passed a specific marker.

Medical car ready to assist

The medical car follows the field, ready to respond to incidents. If a driver is in the pit lane, the medical car must wait until they are on track. A helicopter is also on standby, but it doesn’t run continuously due to logistical constraints.

After a couple of laps, once the race is underway, Rebecca will turn a key to hand control back to race control, allowing her and Chris to prepare for the finish.

Race underway

Interestingly, the start abort button has been used in the past. I vividly recall a moment in Austria last year when we received a message that the start was aborted because race control deemed the area too risky. The field was sent for another lap, shortening the race by one lap.

Jump starts are another common issue, often detected by sensors in the track. The penalties for jump starts vary based on the circumstances.

As the race nears its conclusion, Rebecca heads to the finish gantry, often accompanied by a celebrity. She takes time to explain how to wave the flag and counts down the laps, ensuring the celebrity knows when to present the chequered flag.

Finish gantry preparation

The finish gantry is distinct from the start gantry, located behind the starting grid. Interestingly, the last car has to drive a slightly longer distance than the front car, which can be about 200 meters. So when a race distance is noted as 58 laps, the front car actually covers slightly less than that.

Standing at the start tower and witnessing the race start was an overwhelming experience—one I will treasure forever. It’s akin to the first time I stepped onto the starting grid. The sheer power and speed of the cars as they roared past me was electrifying.

Start of the race

Rebecca’s journey to becoming the first female F1 starter began with her work with the FIA in 2019, where she installed lights and trained marshals. Her knowledge of safety regulations and her super license paved the way for her current position.

This role is crucial, and the intricacies involved in starting an F1 race are often overlooked. From the programming of lights to the responsibilities of marshals, every detail matters in ensuring a safe and successful race start.

FAQ

Who is Rebecca Lee?

Rebecca Lee is the official starter for Formula 1, making history in 2023 as the first female to hold this position.

What does the starter do?

The starter is responsible for initiating the race by pressing a button that turns off the lights, allowing the cars to start. They also manage the start sequence and ensure safety protocols are followed.

What happens if a car stalls at the start?

If a car stalls, the marshal can activate a warning system using their remote control to alert the starter and race control.

How does the finish gantry differ from the start gantry?

The finish gantry is typically located behind the starting grid, and the last car must cover a slightly longer distance than the front car during the race.


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