How to Get a Job in Formula One

Introduction

• Speaker: Blake, creator of Break F1
• Overview: Addressing the common question about getting a job in Formula One (F1).

Key Questions to Consider

1. Why do you want to work in Formula One?
   • Assess your motivation: fame, glory, money, or passion?
   • Acknowledge that F1 jobs can often require more than a standard 9-to-5 schedule.
   • Passion and willingness to sacrifice are crucial.
2. What specifically do you want to do?
   • Identify the type of job within F1 (e.g., aerodynamicist, engineer, marketing, etc.).
   • Research potential careers through LinkedIn to understand various roles.

Preparing for a Career in F1

• Focus on education and extracurricular activities to enhance your CV.
• Strong CV elements:
  • Highlight specific contributions in group projects.
  • Include relevant hobbies and skills (e.g., programming, CAD).

Career Journey of the Speaker

• 2010: Moved from Texas to the UK.
• 2011: Began working at Force India as a vehicle dynamics engineer.
• 2015: Transitioned to Red Bull Racing in a similar role.
• Shifted focus to simulator performance engineering and data analysis.
• Currently: Creating content related to F1.

Academic Background

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.
• Involved in Formula SAE program: learned practical engineering skills.
• Pursued a motorsport master’s degree at Oxford Brookes University, involved in Formula Student Team.

Job Search Strategies

• Use motorsportjobs.com for job listings.
• Check team websites and LinkedIn for placement opportunities.
• Understand visa requirements for working in the UK if not a citizen.

Creating a Standout CV

• Highlight individual contributions in group projects.
• Showcase extracurricular activities and skills outside of academia.
• Include hobbies that reflect personal interests and can help create connections.

Top Six Characteristics for Success in F1

1. Make Friends and Network
   • Build connections in the industry.
2. Be Curious
   • Always seek to understand beyond the surface level.
3. Go Above and Beyond
   • Engage deeply with your work; don’t settle for the bare minimum.
4. Understand the Law of Diminishing Returns
   • Balance detail-oriented work with getting the basics done first (80/20 rule).
5. Don’t Get Attached to Your Ideas
   • Be open to learning and accepting better ideas from others.
6. Never Stop Learning
   • Continuously seek new challenges and knowledge.

Conclusion

• The video summarizes a path to success in F1 and offers encouragement to pursue a career in motorsport.
• Inviting viewers to leave questions and suggestions for future content.