5 answers
Nicholas
Student
Greenville, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best avenue to getting a job as an engineer on a Formula 1 team?
I have dreamed of being on a Formula 1 team as an engineer, but I feel at a loss as to how I can get there. I struggle to know what the steps to achieving such a career even are. Right now I am in the midst of my College journey, Studying Mechanical Engineering. Outside of class I am part of a formula SAE team. I struggle to see what I should pursue after college in order to get a position in Formula 1.
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5 answers
Sundar Vokkarne
30
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Sundar’s Answer
Becoming a Formula 1 engineer is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Start by understanding the mechanics of engines. Practice by safely taking engines apart and putting them back together. Always prioritize safety and seek guidance from experienced professionals. Familiarize yourself with diagnostic tools and data loggers, as these are essential for analyzing engine performance. Look for resources like the SAE Formula 1 website to find mentors who can support your progress.
Learning data logging is crucial since it helps fine-tune engines during races. Achieving a role in Formula 1 can be a remarkable accomplishment. While it is a competitive field, it offers the chance to work at the cutting edge of technology. To succeed, you should expand your knowledge beyond mechanical skills to include diagnostics, air-fuel ratio tuning, and electrical systems.
Though the path may be challenging, with dedication, you can reach the top. Consider attending trade schools to enhance your expertise in engine diagnostics. Strive to be the best, and remember that each step forward brings you closer to your dream. Embrace the adventure, and let your passion drive you toward becoming a successful Formula 1 engineer.
Learning data logging is crucial since it helps fine-tune engines during races. Achieving a role in Formula 1 can be a remarkable accomplishment. While it is a competitive field, it offers the chance to work at the cutting edge of technology. To succeed, you should expand your knowledge beyond mechanical skills to include diagnostics, air-fuel ratio tuning, and electrical systems.
Though the path may be challenging, with dedication, you can reach the top. Consider attending trade schools to enhance your expertise in engine diagnostics. Strive to be the best, and remember that each step forward brings you closer to your dream. Embrace the adventure, and let your passion drive you toward becoming a successful Formula 1 engineer.
Cameron Cooley
IT Field Technician
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Props to you for already taking real steps toward that goal. You're not at a loss at all; you’re actually right in the mix!! Formula SAE is gold, and being in Mechanical Engineering is the right foundation — now it’s about how you build on that.
Here’s another way to look at your path:
Think like a team manager building a race car. Every part of your journey is a component.
1. Specialize Smartly
F1 teams don’t just hire “mechanical engineers” — they look for people with sharp, specific skill sets. Think aerodynamics, CFD (computational fluid dynamics), materials science, control systems, data analysis, vehicle dynamics, composites, etc.
Ask yourself: Which part of the car excites me most? Then tailor your projects, electives, and even your FSAE work to that niche. If you geek out over airflow and downforce, dive deeper into aero or CFD tools like ANSYS or STAR-CCM+. Love the suspension side? Learn dynamic simulation software and suspension modeling.
2. Build a Portfolio, Not Just a Resume
Document your work on FSAE and beyond. Build a clean, concise portfolio that shows your problem-solving process, engineering tools used, and actual results (lap time gains, weight savings, improved reliability, etc.). F1 teams love data. They love seeing your thinking just as much as the result.
3. Go Where the F1 Pipeline Flows
Many engineers in F1 came through the back doors of motorsport suppliers and niche tech firms. Look for jobs in high-performance engineering firms — think Dallara, Bosch Motorsport, Cosworth, or teams in WEC, DTM, or even rally. These are stepping stones that get you close to the action — and into the network.
4. Network Like It’s a Pit Stop — Fast, Precise, Intentional
Hit up motorsport expos, Formula Student events in Europe if you can, and connect with engineers on LinkedIn who work in the industry. Ask smart questions. Show curiosity, not just a résumé. People in F1 often get there because someone remembered them.
5. Consider a Master's in the UK or Europe
This one’s optional but can be a turbocharger: places like Oxford Brookes, Cranfield, or Stuttgart have specific motorsport engineering programs, and they're closely linked to the F1 world. Some F1 teams even scout directly from them. Would also be smart to reach out to students and staff at these locations as well on LinkedIn.
You're already in the race — it’s just about choosing the right racing line from here. You're not behind; you're just hitting turn 3. Keep your foot on the throttle.
Here’s another way to look at your path:
Think like a team manager building a race car. Every part of your journey is a component.
1. Specialize Smartly
F1 teams don’t just hire “mechanical engineers” — they look for people with sharp, specific skill sets. Think aerodynamics, CFD (computational fluid dynamics), materials science, control systems, data analysis, vehicle dynamics, composites, etc.
Ask yourself: Which part of the car excites me most? Then tailor your projects, electives, and even your FSAE work to that niche. If you geek out over airflow and downforce, dive deeper into aero or CFD tools like ANSYS or STAR-CCM+. Love the suspension side? Learn dynamic simulation software and suspension modeling.
2. Build a Portfolio, Not Just a Resume
Document your work on FSAE and beyond. Build a clean, concise portfolio that shows your problem-solving process, engineering tools used, and actual results (lap time gains, weight savings, improved reliability, etc.). F1 teams love data. They love seeing your thinking just as much as the result.
3. Go Where the F1 Pipeline Flows
Many engineers in F1 came through the back doors of motorsport suppliers and niche tech firms. Look for jobs in high-performance engineering firms — think Dallara, Bosch Motorsport, Cosworth, or teams in WEC, DTM, or even rally. These are stepping stones that get you close to the action — and into the network.
4. Network Like It’s a Pit Stop — Fast, Precise, Intentional
Hit up motorsport expos, Formula Student events in Europe if you can, and connect with engineers on LinkedIn who work in the industry. Ask smart questions. Show curiosity, not just a résumé. People in F1 often get there because someone remembered them.
5. Consider a Master's in the UK or Europe
This one’s optional but can be a turbocharger: places like Oxford Brookes, Cranfield, or Stuttgart have specific motorsport engineering programs, and they're closely linked to the F1 world. Some F1 teams even scout directly from them. Would also be smart to reach out to students and staff at these locations as well on LinkedIn.
You're already in the race — it’s just about choosing the right racing line from here. You're not behind; you're just hitting turn 3. Keep your foot on the throttle.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Nicholas
Michelle Mcgill
Analyst - Mechanical Engineering
13
Answers
Russellville, Arkansas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
The best way to start a career in Engineering is by getting a degree from a university accredited by ABET. For your career interests, consider looking into Automotive Engineering and Project Management. Also, talk to a high school counselor and look for internships with racing companies. You can begin by volunteering at local race events and finding a mentor in the same field. You've got this!
Thank you for the advice.
Nicholas
Steve J
Manager
9
Answers
Manhattan, Kansas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Landing a role as an engineer on a Formula 1 team is ultra-competitive, but you’re already on a strong path by studying Mechanical Engineering and being part of Formula SAE — that’s exactly what many current F1 engineers did during college. After graduation, aim for motorsport-related internships or roles in feeder series like Formula 2, Formula E, or even GT racing to gain hands-on experience. Also, sharpen your interview game because breaking into elite teams means standing out at every stage — tools like AI For Job Interviews can give you a real-time edge by helping you stay sharp and composed when it matters most. Keep pushing — your passion and consistency will pay off.
Thank you, Steve!
Nicholas
Bryan Mayberry
Mechanical Design Engineer
14
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
A lot of the best advice I have ever heard about career paths and figuring out next steps is to:
1. Look at the job applications for the roles you are interested in and try to see how you can work on meeting each criteria they are looking for. Try to find a Formula One career page (or something similar) and that should point you in the right direction.
2. Find a LinkedIn page of a person who has a career path that you want to emulate and see what steps they took! Find someone online who works for a Formula One team and see what they studied, where they worked, and what they focused on.
1. Look at the job applications for the roles you are interested in and try to see how you can work on meeting each criteria they are looking for. Try to find a Formula One career page (or something similar) and that should point you in the right direction.
2. Find a LinkedIn page of a person who has a career path that you want to emulate and see what steps they took! Find someone online who works for a Formula One team and see what they studied, where they worked, and what they focused on.