Communication is an essential in motorsport, with so many moving parts around the course and the potential for sudden developments throughout the course.
At the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026, all communications went through senior Race Control official Cheree Beattie.
As Chief of Communications, Beattie was the first port of call when it came to relaying information to Race Control and the Clerks of the Course, making Cheree’s role fundamental to the efficiency of motorsport sessions – especially last week’s Australian Grand Prix.
“I was responsible for all communication between race control and all of the trackside teams,” Beattie outlined.
“So not just the trackside marshals and flaggies, but also coordination with the pits and paddock, when to open and shut gates, and maintaining that open dialogue across all channels.
“There’s times where I’ve got four different channels going through my ears at the same time, which can be a challenge, but it’s equally rewarding knowing it’s such an important role.”
Beattie’s officiating history dates back to 2016 as a General Official during a state round held at Sydney Motorsport Park.
From there, Beattie began officiating at Supercars events and progressing through various roles as a Bronze official.
After suffering an injury while officiating as a sector marshal at Bathurst, senior Motorsport Australia officials provided Beattie with an opportunity to move into Race Control.
From then, Beattie began logging for the communications channel and has since moved into the Chief of Communications role in the senior officials leadership team starting in 2022. Beattie also continues to participate in trackside roles overseas.
“It was the pinnacle to be at the Australian Grand Prix in the role that I had, and it is not lost on me the amount of support I have had over the years,” Beattie said.
“Mentors such as Peter Durkin, Phil Revelle and Kaye Callander are just a few that spring to mind, as well as the Chief Marshall Team of New South Wales, so Mark Moore, Jacqueline Devereaux and Andrew Beattie (Cheree’s husband).”
Beattie’s advice to prospective officials is just to give it a go.
“You might not be suited to a trackside role. Maybe you prefer being a steward, or a scrutineer, that’s the beauty of motorsport – you can try any number of roles,” Beattie concluded.
“Yes it’s great to do the Australian Grand Prix, but you have to start somewhere first, so find opportunities locally at club events and work your way up.
“Officiating at the grassroots level is not only beneficial to our local clubs, but it also provides more opportunity to gain experiences in different roles of officiating.”
Head to Motorsport Australia’s website to find out more about becoming an official.
