F1 Nation

F1 Explains: how a Grand Prix gets started

June 12, 2026·24 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Five red lights go out and the race is on! The start of a Formula 1 Grand Prix is a high-pressure moment - not just for the drivers, but for the woman who controls the start.Rebecca Lee is the Head of Single-Seater Operations at the FIA and the F1 Permanent Starter. She joins Christian Hewgill to answer your questions about the race start procedure. What are the rules at the start of a race? How does she keep everyone safe? Most excitingly, how does she decide when to push the button which turns the lights off, and send 22 Formula 1 cars into battle?Send us your F1 questions - we'll find the best person to answer themEmails and voice notes welcome - F1Explains@F1.comListen to more official F1 podcastsF1 Nation's preview and review of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is on this feedAlex Albon talks making Williams history on F1 Beyond The GridKeep up with the Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand PrixFollow @F1 on social mediaDownload the F1 app or visit F1.com

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