On a slick, dimly lit stretch of the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, a safety protocol meant to protect both drivers and marshals completely broke down. During qualifying for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand PrixLas Vegas Street Circuit on November 23, 2024, multiple marshals stepped onto the live track while Formula 1 cars were still completing push laps—some at over 200 mph. The scene, captured on fan phones and broadcast globally, sent shockwaves through the paddock. Former FIA race director Niels Wittich, who stepped down on October 31, 2024, didn’t mince words: "This should never happen. Marshals cannot step onto the track until the yellow flags are fully active, displayed at every post and confirmed by Race Control. That process was not followed."
How a Basic Rule Was Ignored
The FIA—the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, headquartered in Paris, France—has spent years rebuilding trust after the 2021 Abu Dhabi meltdown. But this incident, occurring just weeks before the race itself, suggests systemic cracks remain. Wittich, who oversaw safety protocols for years before his abrupt exit, explained the procedure with chilling clarity: "Yellow flags mean the track is live. Every marshal post must show the flag. Race Control must confirm it. Only then can anyone step onto the circuit." Yet in Las Vegas, none of that happened. Video footage shows marshals walking between Turn 11 and Turn 12—where visibility is notoriously poor and grip is minimal—while cars like those of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were still on timed laps. One driver, speaking anonymously, called it "completely unnecessary risk." No collision occurred, but the margin for error was thinner than a tire’s tread.A Pattern of Near-Misses
This isn’t an isolated lapse. Just three weeks earlier, on October 27, 2024, at the Mexico City Grand PrixAutodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Red Bull’s Liam Lawson nearly collided with two marshals during his third lap. The FIA called it a "communication misstep," but insiders say it was the third such near-miss this season. Teams have quietly begun demanding real-time video feeds from marshal posts. Mercedes-AMG Petrol GmbH, based in Stuttgart, Germany, has reportedly submitted formal complaints to the FIA about inconsistent flag timing across three Grands Prix. Wittich’s criticism carries weight because he was the man who trained the current marshals. He’s not a disgruntled ex-employee—he’s a former safety chief who still believes in the system. "Mistakes can happen," he told Sky Germany. "But not in this area. The procedures exist to keep marshals and drivers safe. They must be followed without exception."
The Ghost of Michael Masi
The FIA’s reputation is still fragile after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand PrixYas Marina Circuit. Then, race director Michael Masi misapplied safety car rules, allowing only five lapped cars to unlap themselves before a final green-flag lap that handed Max Verstappen the championship over Lewis Hamilton. Toto Wolff, CEO of Mercedes, called Masi a "lunatic" in a now-infamous radio transmission. The FIA’s own report admitted Masi acted in "good faith" but had committed "human error." He was removed. In response, the FIA introduced a virtual race control system, blocked live race director audio, and mandated double-checks on all safety car deployments. But the Las Vegas incident suggests those reforms didn’t reach the ground level—where marshals, not officials, are the last line of defense.What Happens Next
The 2024 Las Vegas Grand PrixLas Vegas Street Circuit is scheduled for November 24, just one day after the qualifying debacle. A new race director—whose identity remains unconfirmed—will take the helm. Sources say the FIA is holding emergency briefings with all trackside marshals, retraining them on flag protocols using the same simulations Wittich used in his tenure. Teams are now demanding a public statement from the FIA before Sunday’s race. The FIA has yet to issue one. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited calls for independent oversight. Former F1 driver and safety advocate David Coulthard told BBC Sport: "You can’t trust a system that relies on human memory when lives are on the line. We need tech-assisted confirmation—like a digital flag status board visible to everyone, including the drivers."
Why This Matters
Formula 1 isn’t just about speed. It’s about trust. Fans watch because they believe the sport’s guardians are protecting everyone involved. When marshals enter the track while cars are still flying, that trust shatters. This isn’t just a procedural failure—it’s a cultural one. If the FIA doesn’t act decisively, it risks more than criticism. It risks losing the credibility that makes Formula 1 the world’s most thrilling motorsport.Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect the safety of Formula 1 marshals?
Marshals are already in one of the most dangerous jobs in motorsport, often working within feet of 200+ mph cars. When protocols like flag confirmation are ignored, they become unintentional targets. The FIA’s own safety data shows marshals have suffered 14 serious injuries since 2020 due to track-entry incidents—8 of them linked to miscommunication. This Las Vegas lapse could have easily been fatal.
What changed after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
After Michael Masi’s error, the FIA banned live race director radio broadcasts, created a virtual race control system with multiple officials reviewing decisions, and mandated that all safety car deployments require two independent confirmations. But these changes focused on race control, not trackside marshals. The Las Vegas incident reveals a blind spot: frontline staff still operate on outdated procedures without real-time digital feedback.
Why didn’t drivers react more strongly?
Drivers are trained to trust the system. Even if they saw marshals on track, many assumed it was a planned intervention or a flag they hadn’t yet seen. The FIA’s flagging system is inconsistent across circuits—some posts are delayed, others poorly lit. Drivers reported confusion in Las Vegas because they’ve learned not to rely on visual cues alone. That’s a terrifying admission for a sport built on precision.
What’s being done to fix this before the race?
The FIA is reportedly conducting emergency retraining with all 86 marshals on the Las Vegas circuit, using video playback of the qualifying incident. They’re also testing a new digital flag confirmation system that sends real-time alerts to Race Control and marshal posts. But no official announcement has been made, and teams are skeptical. Without transparency, trust won’t return—no matter how many drills they run.
Is this the end of Niels Wittich’s involvement with F1?
Wittich’s departure was announced as immediate and unrelated to performance. But his public condemnation suggests he was pushed out after raising internal concerns. He’s no longer officially affiliated with the FIA, but his credibility gives his words immense weight. Many insiders believe he’s now advising teams or safety committees behind the scenes. His silence since October was loud. His voice now is louder.
Could this lead to the race being canceled or delayed?
Unlikely. The Las Vegas Grand Prix generates over $2.3 million in direct revenue for the city, and Formula 1’s commercial partners are heavily invested. But if the FIA doesn’t release a full safety audit before Sunday, teams may threaten to boycott the race start procedure—or demand a full red-flag protocol review before any cars leave the grid. The pressure is mounting, and the stakes have never been higher.