The Formula One U.S. Grand Prix came to Austin for the first time in 2012. It is held at the Circuit of the Americas and will return every year through 2021. The city is pleased with being chosen to host the event due to the publicity, tourism and increased business that comes along with the influx of out-of-town spectators.

Every year, employees, generally local students, are recruited to serve customers over the three days of races. While the idea of working at such an internationally renowned competition may seem exciting, many of the employees from last year report being ripped off and treated poorly by the customers and the management.

Taylor Harris, a freshman at St. Edward’s, worked the races her senior year of high school. She reported being mistreated not only by her management but also her fellow workers.

“In the beginning all the workers were pretty friendly,” Harris said. “However, once the customers began filing into our box offices the other workers became very condescending and constantly berated my peers and I.”

Harris, along with other females employees, dressed in skirts, tights, white shirts which showed cleavage and high heels. They worked from 7-10AM with only one 30 minute break. She was told to “keep the customers happy,” especially those involved in big business. Employees were told that if they upset the customers in any way, their pay would be deducted.

“A table of intoxicated men began cat-calling me,” Harris said. “It was obvious to management that this was happening, but in order for my pay to remain at its rate, I had to play along.”

“Keeping the customers happy,” fell in the category of putting up with harassment and reciprocating flirtatious behavior with the men. Harris explained how there were points in the day when she began tearing up because of the way management was treating her.

Sydney Ribelin, a freshman at Texas State University, worked 40-45 hours during Formula One and was promised $15/hour. After the races ended, she was told she would only be getting $10/hour for only 35 hours.

“It was honestly the worst three days of my life,” Ribelin said.

Threats of deducted pay for not being flirtatious, long hours with unreasonably short breaks and wages that are less than promised sums up the F1 experience for many past employees. The indifference to male customers harassing female employees, who are mandated to wear revealing clothing, raises questions of the true intentions of F1 management.

Harris, Ribelin and others who endured similar ordeals regret their decisions to be a part of the F1 staff. Their situations should be understood by those who are interested in applying for upcoming races. Even if working conditions improve, the likelihood of the same culture remaining is high.