Making All the Difference

One of the really fascinating things about the Formula 1® Rolex® Australian Grand Prix 2023 is that there are more than 1000 volunteer officials whose wide-ranging roles ensure that the event goes forward as smoothly as possible.

Those jobs bring together all kinds of people in a truly unique environment, and there is a good example of just how different some of them are in the Formula 1 pitlane.

David Turnbull qualifies as something of a veteran official these days, having made his first appearance in the Albert Park ’lane when the race moved to Melbourne in 1996. Working right alongside him is Sarah McGrath, who is experiencing not just Albert Park but Grand Prix racing for the very first time.

Turnbull, 77, can trace his involvement with the GP to the pre-Formula 1 times.

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“I was actually at Calder in 1980 when Alan Jones won in the Williams,” he said. “I did all the Calder races, when Roberto Moreno used to win in the Formula Pacifics, then in 1985, I was keen to get to Adelaide.”

The former State level racer worked in the Vehicle Recovery team through the 11 years the race was in Adelaide, but wanted to make a change when the Formula 1 event came to his home town.

“When the race moved to Melbourne I fancied a move to the pitlane and I have been here ever since.”

At the other end of the spectrum, 21-year-old McGrath has come to Melbourne from her home in Queensland, where she is completing the final year of a nursing degree at QUT.

McGrath was inspired to get involved after watching Formula 1 on the streaming services and discovering the Girls on Track Pathway, an initiative of the FIA and Motorsport Australia to inspire girls and young women to make their own way in motorsport.

“I saw it on Instagram, and I wanted to get more involved,” she said.

“I came here just for the race, and I go back on Monday night.”

As for the future, McGrath is looking at, perhaps, cementing a professional role in the sport.

“Ultimately I would like to be a performance coach for one of the drivers.”

There are many jobs to be filled during a Grand Prix weekend and if an official role is something that may interest you, go to www.grandprix.com.au/about-us/race-officials for more details.