In a groundbreaking moment for motorsports, Asha Earle has been named a Chief Post Marshall for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 21 - 23 | Las Vegas, NV), making her the first Black person in F1 history to hold this position. Asha's appointment is not only breaking racial and gender barriers but also paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in a sport where women and Black professionals have been historically underrepresented.
As Chief Post Marshall, Asha's responsibilities will include supervising and briefing marshalls for all daily activities, allocating day-to-day marshalling duties, monitoring health and safety protocols, and ensuring the smooth operation of off-track activities. Asha will oversee the driver's left side of the Koval straight, right after turn 4, one of the racecourse's three main DRS zones.
During the race, Asha will manage the radio network and serve as the central point of communication for all marshalls, coordinating their actions in real-time to maintain safety and efficiency on the track. This isn't Asha Earle's first time taking on the crucial responsibilities of a marshall. She brings valuable experience from her time marshalling IndyCar & IMSA races, where she honed her skills and gained firsthand knowledge of track safety and operations. Her prior experience has prepared her well for this historic role as Chief Post Marshall at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Asha Earle's dedication and exemplary leadership have propelled her to remarkable heights in the automotive industry. Beginning her career in 2015 as an engineer for a motor vehicle manufacturer, Asha steadily advanced through the ranks, earning recognition for her expertise and commitment to innovation. Today, she serves as the Senior Powertrain Engineer of Electrified Drive Systems and OBD Adaptation at Mercedes-Benz North America, a role that highlights her ability to lead in a rapidly evolving field. Asha also has a Mercedes-Benz Certification which allows her to test development vehicles up to 150mph and in all extreme weather conditions!
Beyond her historic appointment, Asha passionately advocates for diversity in motorsports. She is a close friend of the African American Automotive Association (AAAA) and serves as the Director of Partnerships for Driven By Us, a London-based organization dedicated to increasing diversity within the motorsports industry. She is also a long-time member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and has won numerous awards with the organization. Through her advocacy and leadership, Asha is breaking barriers and creating pathways for the next generation of underrepresented talent to enter and excel in the field.
Asha Earle's appointment as Chief Post Marshall for the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a landmark achievement that highlights her trailblazing spirit and commitment to reshaping the motorsports landscape. This historic moment marks a significant step forward for an organization that has often faced criticism for its lack of diversity. Asha's leadership and presence in this pivotal role symbolize progress, showcasing how determination and excellence can break barriers in a traditionally exclusive industry.
Her story is one of perseverance, excellence, and a commitment to inspiring change. By taking on this role, Asha Earle is sending a powerful message that the motorsports world is evolving—and that talent and determination can shatter even the highest glass ceilings.