9 Comments
User's avatar
Antonio De La Sierra Andreu's avatar

Really like this. I'ts the first time I've see someone of your rank speaking directly.

Larry Velasquez's avatar

It’s great to see this kind of insight. I’m glad you removed the sugar coating and media hype, yet still provided enough for people like me to keep moving forward with it. Maybe one day I’ll be able to see everything you laid out!

CK's avatar

This article was published at the right moment. I have an interview with a F1 team in 8 hours. I’ve seen several engineers mention the same points as you did: low pay, not as glamorous, passion only gets your foot in the door but your work ethic carries the rest.

But I still want the job, so keeping my fingers crossed!

Thuthuka Zondi's avatar

I want to work in F1 because I just love the sport and the energy around it. Being part of the crew and helping capture those moments would be a dream for me. It’s where teamwork, speed, engineering and great stories come together. As a cameraman based in South Africa 🇿🇦, the news of a possible return of F1 to Kyalami in 2027 are exciting, as this will be the opportunity to get my one foot in. I watch every video of behind the scenes just to see the cameras they use and see the crew in action.

Elisabeth Tervaniittu's avatar

Thank you for the post and thank you for your contributions to F1. I would love to hear your thoughts on aerodynamics, mechanics, and such in upcoming posts, and maybe some handbook/textbook recommendations.

Oddjobs22's avatar

Thanks for the overview! Personal question if you wouldn't mind: Do you see any team taking a chance on experienced engineers from other industries? For example, high end aerospace/defense where the technical level is just as high, if not higher, but where folks don't have directly applicable experience.

Alan Dove's avatar

Come and build a superkart with me Dan. Be a laugh while you have some spare time! :)

Elisabeth de Sola's avatar

And please do not forget all the extra hours that we have to do to get the car to the track :) That is really not for everybody, but you know is for you when you get that feeling of accomplishment of seeing your work materialising in the car at the track. The fast pace of designing, manufacturing and getting it fitted to the track can hardly be found anywhere else.

Oisin's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to wrote this Dan. I am a mature student retaining in mechanical engineering. I’ve worked as a Physiotherapist for 15 year but now is the time for me to follow my true passion. My question is what are you thoughts on more mature applicants?

I am 100% focused on my goal and am aiming for f1 but I appreciate that one needs to stand out amongst the heard. How would a mature applicant do this?

Thank you in advance.