Vegas Born, Trackside Bound: A Mother-Daughter F1 Marshal Duo Take on the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Inspired by their experience? Applications for marshal positions at the 2025 race in November are now open welcoming both experienced race marshals and individuals interested in becoming marshals to apply

While most experience the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX from the grandstands or on a screen, Las Vegas locals and mother-daughter duo Robin and Meera Gardner had an entirely different vantage point – trackside, as Intervention Marshals.

In November of 2024, this dynamic mother-daughter pair temporarily traded their usual routines – Meera in a pathology lab and Robin in insurance – for the high-octane intensity of Formula 1 race week in Las Vegas. Their journey from enthusiastic F1 fans to integral members of race operations was made possible by the Las Vegas Grand Prix Local Marshals’ Program, a collaboration with U.S. Race Management (USRM). Established in 2024, this initiative, a first for any U.S. Formula 1 race, aimed to provide Southern Nevada residents with more opportunities for active involvement in the event.

Driven by their experience as guest services team members during the inaugural race and their growing fandom for the sport, the Gardners sought a more significant role in the 2024 event. As Meera explains, “My mom and I had previously done guest services…during the inaugural 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix and wanted to have a bigger role in the event in 2024.” This aspiration for deeper involvement led them to apply for the newly announced Locals’ Marshal Program in 2024. Robin’s connection to F1 began earlier, noting, “I began to watch Drive to Survive on Netflix in 2022 and it immediately drew me in… Once I realized that the race was coming to my city, I wanted to become involved.” Their combined enthusiasm and a shared desire for a more hands-on experience ultimately propelled them toward the role of Intervention Marshals through the Las Vegas Grand Prix Locals’ Marshal Program.

Working side-by-side at the exhilarating Turn 10 of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit®, Meera and Robin became part of a dedicated team. “I was at the amazing Turn 10.3 with people who were nothing but kind, fun and helped show my mom and I the ropes,” Meera fondly recalls. Robin echoes this sentiment, stating, “I worked at station 10.3 with the most amazing team I could ever ask for.”

So, what exactly are the responsibilities of an Intervention Marshal, particularly those joining through the Local Marshals’ Program, amidst the high-speed intensity of an F1 race?

“As a Formula 1 marshal, safety is the number 1 priority,” Meera emphasizes. “We are the eyes and ears of what is happening on track, and it is up to our quick but calm thinking to keep the sessions moving smoothly.” Robin adds, “This includes managing incidents on track and ensuring that the track is clear, communicating with the drivers via signals and flagging and making sure everything runs smoothly.”

To prepare for their crucial roles, both Meera and Robin underwent comprehensive training. This training, offered specifically to Las Vegas residents as part of the Local Marshals’ Program, aimed to involve the community in the coveted roles of marshals, which are typically only open to those with previous motorsport experience. “We went through a day of classroom and hands-on training at the Formula 1 [pit] building where we learned the basics of flagging, communication and intervention,” Meera explains, detailing the practical exercises in debris and vehicle recovery, as well as fire safety. Robin emphasizes the thoroughness of the training, noting it was “very comprehensive and informative.”

A typical race day for a marshal is an involved and attentive affair, requiring constant vigilance. “The moment you arrive at the turn, it is important to keep your head on a swivel whether the track is ‘hot’ or not,” Meera describes. Robin underscores the critical nature of their responsibilities: “You must remain aware and diligent of your surroundings and what is needed of you at all times, especially when the track is ‘hot’ or active… your first and foremost duty is safety for your teammates, yourself and the drivers.”

The sensory experience of being trackside left a lasting impression. “Seeing the cars come by so fast and so close is something I will never forget,” Meera marvels. “The smell of the rubber and the harmonious hum of the engines as each car goes by was a shock to the senses.” For Robin, the sheer proximity to the action was unforgettable: “The sights, sounds and scents are amazing! I was told by my team lead that the first time the cars drove by, I would be completely overwhelmed with excitement. That was an understatement!” Beyond the intense sights, sounds, and smells of the race, their time as marshals also equipped them with valuable skills and fostered personal development.

The skills they acquired as marshals have even extended beyond the racetrack. Meera feels the experience has fostered personal growth: “Before going through the journey of becoming a marshal, I was more introverted and avoidant to new situations, and this has allowed me to blossom in the most amazing way.” Robin highlights the practical takeaways: “Being able to endure long hours… Ensuring that I maintain my fitness level so that I can be available and able to be a marshal for years to come.”

One of the most heartwarming aspects of their experience was how marshaling together deepened the already strong bond between this mother-daughter duo. “My mom and I like to have the same type of fun. As she puts it ‘she never leaves me hanging’!” Meera shares, adding, “I can confidently say that it was the greatest decision we’ve ever made. Being able to marshal an official Formula 1 event with my mom was more fun than you could imagine!” Robin affectionately calls Meera her “bestie,” a testament to their close relationship that was further strengthened by their shared passion for F1, ignited by Drive to Survive. As Robin recalls, “We would watch the races together every week and soon found that this was something unique that connected us.”

Meera and Robin’s time as marshals at the FORMULA 1 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2024 has fueled their desire to return to the trackside role again. “Being able to marshal an official Formula 1 event with my mom was more fun than you could imagine!” says Meera. Robin wholeheartedly agrees, “It was everything we thought it would be and hope to be a part of the race every single year.”

For those considering becoming a marshal, Meera offers encouraging words, “Do it! The fun you’ll have far surpasses any fear you’ll feel… The people, action, and the accomplishment you’ll feel at the end of it all will make it all worth it and have you coming back for more.” Robin’s advice is equally enthusiastic, “Give it a try! It may seem intimidating, but it will show you how resilient you are, and it will introduce you to the wonderful world of motorsport and its amazing people!”

For those in Las Vegas inspired by Meera and Robin’s story, the opportunity to get involved in the 2025 Grand Prix is just around the corner. Applications for marshal positions at the race in November are now open, welcoming both experienced race marshals and individuals interested in becoming marshals to apply. This continued commitment to the Local Marshals’ Program ensures that more Southern Nevada residents interested in these roles have opportunities in motorsports through pre-race certification.