BTS of Formula 1 commentating with Scarlett Archer

Formula 1 races are very fast paced and can be difficult to follow. As an F1 commentator myself I love the thrill and energy of the race and telling the story of what’s happening out on the track. It doesn’t just happen though. A lot of prep goes into every race, so that it is entertaining and informative for the audience, whether they know all about motorsports or nothing at all.

Prepping to commentate on an F1 race

This is what I do to prepare for a live Broadcast race weekend.

Previous races, stats and stories

Before each race I watch the race from last year on the track to familiarize myself with the pace and all the turns and stories. I keep a spreadsheet that I update after each race with up-to-date driver and team stats on it. I annotate a track map with details such as lap lengths, corner names, DRS zones and historical information.

The F1 season’s themes

After that I gather information of the major themes of the season so far. They may include driver changes, FIA rule modifications or unique race conditions. For example, in Monaco the track is very narrow and usually the driver that qualifies on pole wins the race but this year’s mandatory 2 stop rule added some unpredictability to the race.

Scarlett, Kai Bachini and Zac McDonald at work

Keeping on top of F1 team socials

I like to keep my eyes on socials to keep up to date about the little entertaining moments that occur between race weekends. This adds to the commentary as it adds to the story.

Meet the commentary team

Then I meet with the commentary team, and we go over who will do different parts of the commentary such as the track map, race start, replays and final lap.

L-R: Chris McCarthy, Zac McDonald, Kai Bachini and Scarlett

Then it’s race time! And it usually runs very smoothly after all that prep!

All images courtesy Gina Archer.