FEATURE
Despite the apparent complexity of scrutineering, Vincent says that having deep technical knowledge is not essential. He acknowledges he did learn a good amount from his father, who was also an engineer, but says his full-time job as a catering manager is a world away from his weekends in the paddocks around the UK.
Dom Gibbons
“ You’ ve got to have an interest in the mechanical side of things, but you don’ t have to have a massive technical mind,” he says.“ Whatever level you’ re working at, the thing is to not shy away from asking. You need to be fairly strong sometimes and not be afraid to say to someone‘ can you explain to me what you were doing’ so you can check it’ s ok.”
The invitation process for F1 scrutineers starts soon, and Mason welcomes new applicants to the process. The selected team is brought together early next year, after which WhatsApp groups are set up and regular communications are made to keep people informed as things progress.
The team involves a mix of scrutineers, all of whom consider themselves an identical part of the group, and Alderman attests:“ The atmosphere and the team are great, and we all work together really well. You don’ t always see the same people each year, but just being involved in the sport itself is really nice.
“ I love motorsport, it’ s my happy place, so if I’ m around motorsport, I’ m happy. The Grand Prix is such a nice event to come to and, in a way, it’ s an honour to be invited to be an F1 scrutineer. It’ s the goal that I think a lot of people want, so to be in the team is really special – and one of the biggest bonuses is that you get to go on the grid!”
Phil Mason at the British Grand Prix( top), and working at the Radical SR1 Championship, Snetterton
The 2025 British Grand Prix Support Race Scrutineers
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Revolution- October 2025