How to Become a Formula One Race Engineer?

Formula One racing has been around since the 1950s, with thousands of drivers competing over the years. However, there would be no races being organised if not for the participation and hard work of the Formula One race engineers.

Are you looking to forge your own F1 race engineer career? How does one become an F1 race engineer?

That's what we're here to look at today. Read on to get a look at the complete F1 engineer's career map!

Duties of the F1 Race Engineer

Let's start with breaking down exactly what a Formula One race engineer does. Generally speaking, they're in charge of guaranteeing the safety, legality, and performance of a race driver and their team on and off the track.

Because Formula One racing incorporate large events, a race engineer has to make sure all of the equipment involved is safe and ready to go. These races require organisation, and experienced engineers who are up for the task.

Responsibilities of an F1 Race Engineer

Getting a Formula One race car ready and operational on any given day takes a dedicated team of professionals, and a race engineer helps ensure that all the right tools and procedures are in place for the driver. They help organise and coordinate all the different technicians needed during the race.

On the day of a race, engineers might organise the car's set-up, run plan, and the time when everyone leaves the garage. They're also responsible for talking with the driver before, during, and after the race.

How Does One Become an F1 Race Engineer?

Most race engineers find different ways to get their F1 race engineer career of and running. Becoming an F1 race engineer involves years of formal education while finding opportunities to work in an F1 team.

Formula One race engineers usually start out by getting an automotive or mechanical engineering bachelor's degree. Some even go as far as getting a master's degree from an accredited university.

After graduation, some start working as a specialised technician for a driver before becoming promoted to a race engineer position. Finding the correct career out of graduation can be tough, so some first become assistant engineers to get the ball rolling.

Whatever the position, many F1 race engineers get their start by attending as many races and sporting events as possible. They must try to get their foot in the door and eventually build enough connections to join a team.

They might even work for different drivers for years before finding a secure role as a race engineer. Before joining the F1 engineer industry at all, most take up unrelated engineering jobs to sharpen their skillset.

Getting the Right Qualifications

So, what kind of qualifications do people look for in F1 race engineers? Let's start with education.

As we mentioned earlier, most F1 race engineers have some sort of academic qualification, like a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering. You could also study a little chemistry, material science, or mathematics to help boost your chances. 

Aside from a wealth of trackside experience as an assistant engineer or as another specialist, there are plenty of intangible skills needed in an F1 race engineer. This includes communication and interpersonal skills.

Being able to communicate correctly with your driver and team is crucial to getting things done right as a race engineer. Building proper rapport with teammates is something inherent in most F1 race engineers.

The Complete F1 Race Engineer Career Map

Starting an F1 race engineer career isn't something that can be done with the drop of a hat. Use this guide to help you understand what qualifications you need, where you can get them, and how to position yourself properly.

If you are Looking to embark on a Formula One career? Why not start by attending a race itself and see what is involved. Contact us today and we'll get you started right away!