John Castrillon
Formula 1 Grid Gigs Lead Pre Race Event Production Manager 2025 - Present @Formula 1
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WORK HISTORY
Formula 1 Grid Gigs Lead Pre Race Event Production Manager 2025 - Present @Formula 1
Created and established new role overseeing all entertainment elements for pre-race grid shows and podium celebrations at Formula 1 race weekends. Managed coordination across F1 departments, motorsport, international promoters and suppliers for live audiences and international broadcast. Aligned all visible show components including performers, DJs, pyro, flyovers, staging and logistics, ensuring every detail on camera met F1\'s creative and technical standards. Developed and oversaw delivery of Grid Gigs entertainment, a new American Express sponsored initiative, managing production for Louis Tomlinson, Drake Milligan, Kane Brown and Adam Port across Austin, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. Established both roles, incorporated existing teams and handed over pre-race coordination to F1 in-house team whilst continuing to manage Grid Gigs shows for 2026 season.Key responsibilities:• Pre-production coordination with F1 teams and local promoters• Management of national anthem performers, DJs, pyro teams and flyover coordination• On site comms with Producers, Motorsport, Performers, Show Caller, Audio Team and Event Delivery• Podium ceremony and Grid show stage management including rehearsals• Race day coordination of all grid elements, risers, staging, flag bearers and performer placement• Liaison with Protocol, Audio, Event Delivery, and Commercial Media departmentsImpact: Created and established both roles over a 12-race period from mid-2025, managing all entertainment elements across international Formula 1 race weekends. Helped secure American Express Grid Gigs sponsorship through successful Vegas and Austin delivery. Now serve as Head Production Lead for 7 Grid Gigs continuing into 2026 season.
ABOUT JOHN CASTRILLON
I bring calm oversight and technical depth to complex live events where every detail matters. Over 25 years in live production, I have delivered projects across four continents for clients including Formula 1, FKP Scorpio Entertainment, cultural institutions and major promoters.Born in London to Colombian parents, I grew up across London, Miami, Cali, Colombia\'s Coffee Region, and New York City before returning to the UK in the late 1990s. This multicultural upbringing gave me the ability to understand different cultures and work effectively across diverse international teams. I earned a degree in Music Technology in Brighton and have built expertise: in production management, tour and project management and technical direction across music festivals, immersive installations, sports, theatre, corporate events and award ceremonies.My background is hands on. I understand sound, lighting, video, rigging and connectivity at a technical level, which means I can coordinate across disciplines, spot problems early and make decisions when stakes are high. That breadth of experience gives me the confidence to make important decisions in real time and to handle the unexpected.What clients value most is my approach: firm on delivery, calm under pressure, focused on outcomes and delivery. I coordinate stakeholders, manage risk and ensure creative visions translate into reliable, repeatable delivery.
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