Motorsport is very often considered a serious sport, especially for the thousands of officials who volunteer at events all around the world.
 
But sometimes you need to sit back and see the lighter side of racing, which is why Graham Warren is such a popular figure amongst his peers.
 
Known for his infamous googly-eye sunglasses, Graham has never gone a day of volunteering at racetrack without them, since purchasing the pair 14 years ago. 
 
Within the close-knit officials community at the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix, he is an unmissable figure as volunteers go out of their way to say hello and spend some time having a laugh, something Warren takes pride in doing.
 
“Getting the sunglasses was a bit of fun in the beginning, but I have kept wearing them every year and people know and love the glasses – they don’t recognise me if I’m not wearing them,” Warren said.
 
“I started wearing them 14 years ago. I just thought why not. It stuck. People come up to me all the time and it’s good because people remember the glasses. It’s like a physical catchphrase.
 
“When I first bought them out a long time ago, the reaction was really positive and people embraced them.
 
“I remember one year I was based in the pits for the celebrity race and when it came time for a photo with all celebrities and F1 drivers, I got in the picture because of the glasses. It was published in lots of places, including the Virgin in-flight magazine. 
 
Although he considers himself an entertainer, Warren takes his position as a fire marshal very seriously. 
 
This year is his 29th Australian Grand Prix, combine that with his history as a rural fire service officer for many years, Graham is a very experienced individual.
 
It was there at the rural fire service where he first learned about becoming a motorsport official from a colleague – something he hasn’t looked back on since. 
 
He has done every Grand Prix in Melbourne and three in Adelaide, as well as volunteering at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, where unsurprisingly the glasses went with him. 


However it’s the Australian Grand Prix that truly is home for Warren and after almost 30 years, the South Australian has a big decision to make.
 
“Having heard about being an official from one of the guys in the service 29 years ago, I thought it sounded really cool and I was really happy when I was accepted on just my first attempt. I haven’t looked back since," Warren said.
 
“To be honest, I love being a firey. I enjoy doing it and I wouldn’t consider doing anything else. There is a lot of adrenaline that kicks in when there is an incident so I don’t feel any sore parts. But of course, the less we are used, the better.
 
“As for the Grand Prix, it’s just brilliant to be back. We’re a big family and it’s like I haven’t been able to see my family in more than two years.
 
“I made friends with some marshals here a long time ago and I am lucky enough that I stay with them every year since I have been coming over – they pick me up from the airport and look after me which is nice. 
 
“After 30 years, I have to decide whether I am going to continue or not. It depends on what my legs tell me, but for the moment I just really enjoy motorsport and that’s why I have been able to do marshalling for so long.