Michael spent 4 days at Turn 1 at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026.
Thursday was dedicated to the support categories with Porsche Carrera Cup and Supercars on track. There was also a Formula 2 and a Formula 3 systems check and a display of cars related to Jack Brabham to celebrate 60 years since his historic Wold Championship win.
Friday saw an early start with Formula 3 and 2 practice sessions to kick the day off. Formula 1 held their first practice session just after midday before F3 and F2 cam back out for their qualifying. The day was rounded out with F1 practice 2, a Supercars race and a Porsche Carrera Cup race.
Saturday rolled around with the team at Turn 1 wondering when the cork would pop. With no incidents occurring at this turn for 2 days, it felt like something was building. The day started with Supercars qualifying and was quickly followed by the Formula 3 Sprint Race which was cut short due to an incident on the far side of the track. Formula 1 Practice was halted with Kimi Antonelli clipping the curb at Turn 1 and hitting the wall at Turn 2. The intervention marshals at Turn 1 were dispatched to assist with the cleanup, but after being asked to assist the Light Panel Operator, Michael wasn’t able to get on track for the cleanup. The Formula 2 race was uneventful at Turn 1, but during Formula 1 Qualifying the flag post was well and truely woken up when Max Verstappen skidded across the gravel and into the wall. Michael assisted with the recovery effort and then used to opportunity to examine the power and neutral control on the nose of the car and the extinguisher pull on the side of the car. As qualifying continued the Mercedes of Antonelli dropped a couple of cooling fans on the track, one landed in the gravel at Turn 1 and was still operating after one of the other intervention marshals retrieved it. Supercars and Carrera Cup finished off the day with no further major incidents.
Sunday kicked off with Formula 3, Supercars and Formula 2. Supercars had a significant first corner incident, but with the rapid deployment of the crane trucks and tilt-trays from Turn 2 the race was quickly resumed without any intervention from the Turn 1 marshals. Michael and the other marshals were trackside for the Formula 1 drivers parade where Michael was far more interested in the Mini Mokes than the drivers. The day continued with Formula 1 and no significant incidents near the Turn 1 marshal post. The event drew to a close with a Marshals’ dinner where Michael was appreciative of the Motorsport Australia board members helping to serve drinks and interacting with the marshals.
At the Marshals’ Dinner, Michael had the chance to meet Tenesha R who is a significant promoter of motorsport officiating and also had the opportunity to thank Kimberly Hughes for her work with Motorsport Australia before she moves to Supercars.
