Careers as an aerodynamicist

[Sev]

Hey all,

I was hoping some of you might be able to help me with a problem I've been wrestling with for a while.

As is fairly common on these forums, my life's current goal is to get a job working in Formula 1. In particular, the job I'd most like is that of a designer, particularly on the aero side (although people like Newey get involved in both, and that's the job I'd like most of all).

In terms of qualifications, I'm studying Physics at a good University, and planning on doing as masters in Aerodynamic and Mechanical Engineering, and generally have an extremely good CV.

The downside is that none of this helps me move towards my goal. Whilst career paths into a variety of places seem relatively easy, moving into F1 seems quite the opposite. Looking in Autosport every fortnight, I occasionally see advertisments for Aerodynamicists; however, all of them specifically ask for prior motorsport experience.

That strikes me as odd, since I'd assume the vast majority of aero-people in motorsport work in F1, as the other categories generally have very limited amounts of changes allowed to their cars.

So I put the question to you; how can I go about getting experience in aero in a motorsport environment, and how else can I make myself attractive to an F1 team?

Thanks.
Mike

[flavorPacket]

formula student or work for free with a fford/f2000 team

[dasc04]

Don't jump straight in at the deep end with being Aerodynamicist.

You can start off as windtunnel technician. (RedBull will be advertising soon! )

Working for a small team can help but its not the be all and end all. You won't learn anything from them that will necessarily be any use to an F1 team.

A good degree is the most important thing.

[ChironWSC]

Mike

I think you are missing the point of the phrase (Previous motorsport experience). For a junior role this means motorsport experience not necessarily aero experience just good old getting out there with teams and getting involved experience.
A CV for a job in F1 is no good without previous experience in motorsport on it. You can have as many university qualifications as you like but it doesn’t mean you will get a job in F1 I wish some one would teach this at universities.

Henry

[ccharlie6]

for my placement year ive just been offered a job with an F1 team and they wanted good academic skills but also stated previous engineering and motorsport experience, i'm part of formula student and have previously worked for engineering companies for free, but i also have my own projects at home (a ginetta G15 i am modifying and prepping for hillclimbing). i think if you just offer your skills to teams and do your own stuff it may be enough to get the interview to impress.

[AU N EGL]

Originally Posted by flavorPacket

formula student or work for free with a fford/f2000 team

Time to volunteer your some of your time to teams like these.

[Locost47]

It's not always easy to get previous motorsport experience because there is a lot of competition for it and often you have to do it for free. I know some people view this as a test of dedication but there can be real financial problems which make in unviable for someone to donate their time for free. I had a situation where i could have worked for a team for free but simply couldn't do it as i needed money to pay the bills. They said that i should be motivated enough to find a way to self-fund, but getting loans as a student is tough and i didn't have any family money to back me up.

I did Physics at Uni too, then an MSc in Aero. 52 unsuccessful applications to F1 later i got a job in the normal auto industry and gained my experience there. Later applications to F1 were met with interviews (a step up from 'get bent' letters!) but comments about having the best possible background and experience *other than previous F1* and so lost out each time to people moving between teams.

That situation has only changed because a team with lesser budget than many others has recognised that they need more aero-specific people rather than just building more wind tunnels and trying a greater volume of parts parametrically. It's taken 11 years overall though. Perhaps not the most encouraging fact but i do take some satisfaction from finally proving wrong the careers people at Uni who said there was no chance.

[dasc04]

I am 24 in two weeks and about to move to my second F1 team in June after spending 2 years at another.

All I am saying is that its not all about the experience you try to gain "volunteering" for club teams. I know of no one (of the people I have worked with) within F1 who have spent time working for FF Teams. Some of the people don't follow these championships in anyway and wouldn't really know the difference between a FRenault or a FF.

Having said that it doesn't hurt to get experience of this stuff but it won't nesessarily give you much more than the next guy.

Believe me. Two years ago I was in the same position as Mike. I could have gone Locost47's route and applied for the "further up the ladder" position that I presume he is in now. Or do what I did and get a Tunnel Tech Job and work my way up internally whilst getting the experience within the industry. I know what is quicker.

But hey. I may have been lucky and applied for the right job at the right time!

[Erki]

Oh please don't do that! We don't need more aero!

Joking. Good luck.

[Sev]

Thanks for all the replies so far, it's really helping me at least get a perspective on what I need to do. Obviously, everyone's paths work out differently, but it's nice to know there is some hope, somewhere.

I still think my #1 priority is getting that First though