Understanding How F1 Tracks Are Painted

Vidit Dhawan | 07/08/2024
Understanding How F1 Tracks Are Painted

In a recent YouTuber video, Matt Amys reveals how strict the FIA’s guidelines are for painting the F1 tracks. Per him, the circuits need particular color schemes they have to adhere to, without fail.

Amys states that the color scheme is specific for everything; from the run-off area to the apexes to the grid boxes and the rest of the track.

After giving an initial introduction, Amys interviews one of the employees from Roadgrip, the company that is responsible for painting the F1 tracks.

Since the interview was taking place at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, the employee explained how difficult it was to paint a track that was 4.35 miles long. Some parts of the circuit could not be painted by machines. They had to be painted by hand and masking tape, which proved to be an even greater task.

“The first process of this is that the team will get out some string to ensure that the lines are actually straight,” said Amys. “This will then be marked out by some chalk. And then the masking tape will be put down.” 

Once the workers made all the preparations, they simply used a hand roller to paint the circuit. To give a demonstration of how it was done, Amys tried painting a part of the track himself.

He then revealed that he made the video to appreciate the kind of hard work the painters put into paint each circuit on the F1 calendar.

Post Edited By: Somin Bhattacharjee
F1 Spa Francorchamps

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Vidit Dhawan

Vidit Dhawan, a Formula 1 Editor at The SportsRush, is intrinsically connected with everything around the sport — from the engine roar, the cacophony on the grandstands to the action. He fell in love with F1 during the inaugural Indian GP in 2011. After more than a decade of deep engagement with the sport, Vidit insists he will remain a lifelong fan of Fernando Alonso, and sees the future of F1 in Charles Leclerc. A sports fanatic from childhood, he discovered his passion for writing while pursuing a bachelor's degree in international and global studies. Vidit has written over 1,700 articles, ranging from news reports to opinions. He thrives covering live action, and loves to dig into the contrasting personalities in the F1 bandwagon and narrate their journey in life as well as the sport. Vidit also follows tennis and football, enjoys playing as well as coaching chess.

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