Rebecca Lee takes the helm as F1’s first female starter, marking a historic shift in the sport’s dynamics.
As the five red lights extinguish, hearts race and breaths are held… then green! The start of a Grand Prix is underway!
But who exactly is responsible for this crucial part of the race procedure at the FIA?
For the first time in the history of the sport, the role is held by a woman: Rebecca Lee, who has served as the official ‘starter’ for Grand Prix races since September 2023.
Originally, Rebecca Lee did not intend to pursue a career in motorsport. In fact, she “never wanted it,” she told Motorsport Week. Her professional journey began in the transport industry.
Lee later collaborated with her company’s dealings with Formula 1 and British Superbike, particularly in contract management. Six months in the F1 paddock ignited her passion for the sport. After progressing through Formula 3 and Formula 2, she was promoted last year to the premier class of motor racing.
“I realized I wanted to return [to the paddock] because I missed the adrenaline, the atmosphere, and the challenges,” she remarked.
“At first, I was there to support the guy who previously managed the start, and then I ended up becoming the permanent ‘starter,’ so yes, it was an unexpected journey.”
So, what exactly does the role of a starter in Formula 1 entail? Can Lee shed light on this crucial yet often overlooked position?
“It’s very varied, as with many things we do in advance and try to plan as much as possible. In motorsport, there are many unforeseen challenges and it’s really, really varied. We have all the necessary marshals and volunteers to ensure the event runs safely. And of course, we ensure all our system checks are completed, and that we have all the necessary equipment for all the controls. I oversee all of this and make sure we have the right people in the right places to ensure everything goes smoothly,” Lee explains.
Regarding the start, I am responsible for briefing all the marshals to ensure they adhere to the correct starting procedures, as we also rely on marshals and volunteers for assistance. It’s not just me; it’s a team effort to manage everything. Of course, I also prepare myself to be on time for the opening of the pit lane, deploy the cars, and remain there for the initial laps of the GP. Afterwards, I’ll head back and listen to the race director in case I need to return for a red flag.
One might imagine: this job is high-pressure…
“It’s highly varied and we are always working against tight deadlines. I’m peculiar, I really thrive under pressure.”
“I always perform better under pressure. It keeps me busy. Teamwork is always a collective effort. Like everyone else, I cannot do my job alone. I have a very good support network around me and, by working together, we ensure that the wheels keep turning, and that’s one of the things I enjoy. I love working with people.”
Rebecca Lee is also crucial at the end of a Grand Prix! It’s vital to ensure a chosen VIP waves the chequered flag at the correct moment, which hasn’t always been the case! So, who was the most affable celebrity?
“Kylian Mbappé was a very, very kind person and obviously, he’s a famous football player. I didn’t expect him to be so… he was very nice and quite nervous too, and I was surprised.”
Lee thus becomes the first woman in the history of Formula 1 to hold this role: she is one of the increasingly numerous female faces in the paddock, thanks in part to initiatives led by FOM, the FIA, and the teams.
“I am truly grateful and I think it’s wonderful. I receive inquiries from young women around the world and messages on social media—and I always do my best to guide them and provide as much information as I can.”
“To secure a position in a male-dominated environment, it’s not just about being a woman or anything like that; you have to work hard, and if you do, you’ll earn your position on merit.”
“I believe there’s a lot more support nowadays for bringing women into the industry and there are many other women who are ready to help. People say we need to improve diversity, but personally, I’ve only had positive experiences, I’ve never faced any obstacles. I feel that it’s much better now and there’s a lot more support.”
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F1’s New Starter: Rebecca Lee Breaks Gender Barrier F1’s New Starter: Rebecca Lee Breaks Gender Barrier
