FIA Study Reveals Over 20,000 Volunteers Indispensable to Formula 1’s Global Operations

Motor racing, a sport synonymous with cutting-edge technology, multi-million dollar investments, and elite athletes, paradoxically operates on the foundational strength of an extensive, dedicated volunteer network. Across its vast global pyramid, from local grassroots events to its pinnacle world championships, including the prestigious Formula 1, the sport’s safe and efficient execution hinges significantly on these unsung heroes. A recent comprehensive study, commissioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport, has cast a revealing light on the sheer scale of this reliance, particularly within Formula 1. The findings underscore that an astonishing workforce exceeding 20,000 volunteers is required annually to adequately orchestrate the 24 high-octane Grands Prix weekends that comprise the modern F1 calendar. This translates to an average of 838 individuals dedicating their time and expertise to ensure the seamless operation of each race event.

Recognising the profound importance of this volunteer force, and seeking to gain a clearer understanding of its dynamics, the FIA initiated a detailed report through its FIA University. The primary objective was to meticulously quantify the existing volunteering corps’ needs and impact, while also formulating strategic recommendations for its future sustainability and enhancement. To gather the requisite data, researchers conducted an extensive survey targeting the FIA’s Sporting Organisers Working Group, a critical body comprising representatives from the organisers and promoters responsible for staging each of F1’s 24 Grands Prix.

The report’s metrics paint a vivid picture of the commitment involved. For the 2025 Formula 1 season, an average of 838 volunteers – predominantly marshals – are projected to be indispensable for the running of each Grand Prix. This cumulative effort across the entire 24-race calendar necessitates a formidable force of 20,112 individuals. The personal investment from these volunteers is substantial, with the report indicating an average commitment of 48 hours per race weekend. When extrapolated across the full season, this amounts to a staggering 965,376 hours of dedicated labour. Compounding this commitment, a significant two-thirds of these volunteers sacrifice their annual leave or take unpaid holidays to participate, highlighting a profound passion and dedication that transcends monetary compensation.

Financially, the report also sheds light on the economic underpinnings of this volunteer system. The total cost associated with the rigorous training and recruitment of this essential workforce is estimated at 11.1 million euros annually. However, the true economic contribution is far greater; the total labour value provided by these volunteers, if calculated at market rates, is estimated to be 13.2 million euros per year. This striking discrepancy between operational cost and labour value vividly illustrates the immense, often unrecognised, subsidy volunteers provide to the sport.

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While marshals constitute the largest segment of this volunteer force, their roles extend far beyond simply waving flags. They are the eyes and ears of race control, positioned at critical junctures around the circuit, ready to respond instantaneously to incidents. Their responsibilities encompass a wide array of duties crucial for safety and competitive integrity: displaying flag signals to communicate track conditions to drivers, assisting with car recovery after incidents, track clear-up, managing fire safety, providing initial medical response, and even ensuring spectator safety. Beyond the marshals, volunteers contribute in myriad other capacities, including administrative support, paddock access control, media assistance, and logistics, all of which are vital for the smooth execution of a Grand Prix weekend, which can host hundreds of thousands of spectators and thousands of personnel. The presence and swift action of these volunteers are paramount, not just for the spectacle of racing, but for the fundamental safety of drivers, teams, and fans alike.

Despite their unwavering dedication, the volunteer corps is facing increasing pressures. The report highlights an estimated 20% increase in the average workload of volunteers, a trend likely driven by the expanding F1 calendar, the growing complexity of race operations, and enhanced safety protocols. This heightened demand necessitates a more robust and sustainable framework for volunteer management.

Concurrently, within the upper echelons of Formula 1, there is a burgeoning desire to further professionalise critical roles such as race control and stewarding. The aim is to foster greater consistency and impartiality in decision-making, which has, at times, been a contentious issue in the sport. The recent signing of a new Concorde Governance Agreement between the FIA and Formula 1 management at the close of last season is expected to be a pivotal development in this regard. This agreement is anticipated to furnish the governing body with increased resources, specifically earmarked to bolster and refine its officiating capabilities, addressing some of the systemic challenges identified in the report.

The FIA is not merely acknowledging these challenges but actively implementing strategic initiatives to address them. The report itself offers several key recommendations, including the appointment of a dedicated welfare officer to specifically look after the well-being of volunteers, increased investment in research and technology to enhance their operational effectiveness, and the implementation of a more systematic and professional model for volunteer management.

In line with these recommendations, the FIA has already taken significant steps. The establishment of a new officials department marks a concerted effort to centralise and harmonise the training standards that are currently delivered at a local level. This initiative aims to ensure a uniform level of competence and adherence to best practices across all member clubs and events worldwide, from national championships to Formula 1.

Furthermore, the FIA has launched a high-performance programme, a structured pathway designed to identify, nurture, and train the next generation of elite stewards and race directors. This programme offers talented officials tangible opportunities to advance through the ranks and graduate to more senior and internationally recognised roles within FIA-sanctioned championships. Early successes are already evident: the inaugural class saw six stewards graduate to roles within FIA championships last year, with three race directors from the programme slated for deployment in 2026. This systematic approach ensures a pipeline of highly qualified personnel for the sport’s future.

Reinforcing these efforts, the report also provides strong backing for the FIA’s ambitious plans for a new "centre of excellence." This proposed dedicated officials training centre is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility that will significantly boost both the quality and quantity of trained officials, serving as a global hub for motorsport education and development.

Crucially, these new pathways for official training are vital for the long-term health of motorsport, ensuring a steady and skilled supply of officials for events in the years to come. One particularly encouraging finding from the report is the remarkable loyalty and retention rate among volunteers: the majority remain involved for at least five years. Their motivations extend beyond a mere love for the sport; they cite the quality of training received, the strong sense of camaraderie and community, and the tangible opportunities for personal and professional growth within the sport as primary drivers for their continued involvement, despite the personal cost in terms of time and annual leave.

The journey of Rui Marques, the current F1 Race Director for the FIA, serves as a powerful testament to this pathway. As he recounted to Motorsport.com last year, his illustrious career in motorsport officiating began as a marshal at Estoril at the age of 18. "I was waiting to turn 18 to become a marshal," Marques stated, highlighting an early, fervent passion. He vividly describes finding "a family, wherever you go around the world. It’s all about the passion for the sport." This sentiment resonates deeply within the volunteering community, where shared experiences and mutual dedication forge strong bonds. Marques further revealed that even colleagues in race control, now in highly professional roles, still volunteer as marshals when their schedules permit, underscoring the enduring appeal and intrinsic rewards of the role.

Marques has also observed a welcome demographic shift within F1’s marshalling corps in recent years, noting a discernible trend towards a younger volunteer base. This rejuvenation is widely attributed to the mainstream success and global reach of the Netflix docuseries, Drive to Survive, which has significantly broadened Formula 1’s appeal to new audiences, particularly younger generations. "Yes, in Europe the age of the volunteers was getting higher and higher," Marques acknowledged, before adding, "Don’t get me wrong, we want and respect everyone. Some of them have 30 years of experience, which is also important. But we can now see more younger people arriving, which is really good." This balance between seasoned veterans, whose decades of experience are invaluable for institutional knowledge and mentorship, and enthusiastic new recruits, who bring fresh perspectives and energy, is crucial for the long-term vitality of the volunteer system.

In essence, the FIA’s comprehensive study and its subsequent strategic responses represent a critical juncture for motorsport. By systematically understanding and actively supporting its vast volunteer network, the FIA is not only safeguarding the immediate future of Formula 1 and other championships but is also laying down a robust, sustainable foundation for the sport’s continued growth and success for generations to come. The passion of over 20,000 individuals, dedicating their time and expertise, remains the beating heart of Formula 1.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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