It is easy to forget the little guys involved in making a spectacle such as the Etihad Airways Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix take place without any hiccups.

With drivers tearing up the course at speeds in excess of 300kph, safety is paramount for the competitors and spectators.

As an avid fan, Hank Berry has been to the race at Yas Marina Circuit every year and knows this. Now he has decided to become part of the meticulous infrastructure this time around.

When his friend David Haboubi was taken in to put together a safety team for this year’s race, Berry jumped at the chance to help out.

“When I knew David was asked to be a post chief [in charge of a section on the track] I told him I was interested and to let me know if he needed my help putting a team together,” said Berry, a 58-year-old engineer from West Virginia who has lived in the UAE for nine years.

Now Berry is a flag man, ensuring drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton know the safety procedures every time they enter Turns 3 and 4 at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend.

As a marshal on the course, Berry will be responsible for alerting drivers of any potential dangers as they go around the course.

This could include hazards on the track (debris or oil), or accidents. It could also mean the one they all want to see, green flags, meaning the race is on and everything is cleared.

“There will be three guys suited up at every turn, ready to deal with any and every situation,” said Berry.

“We are in radio contact at all times with the safety team and ready to deploy the according flags.”

Berry will be part of a team of six, ensuring there are no dramas at Turns 3 and 4 on Sunday, but will also be part of the safety team all weekend, including practice and qualifying.

He insists his eye will be on the safety of the drivers but confesses he will still be admiring the cars and talent on show.

“I have to do the job in hand. It’s gonna be a fun weekend,” he said. “I’m an engineer by trade and the technology will be fascinating. That’s what will make it cool but the safety of the guys is paramount.”

These are the guys that make weekends like this happen. Raise your flags to them too.