The Student Spotlight Series

Introducing: Rebekkah Astbury

In our Student Spotlight series, you’ll meet ambitious individuals who are taking the first steps in their motorsport careers, learning what drives them, how they’re preparing for the industry, and what advice they have for others looking to follow in their tracks.


 

Name: Rebekkah Astbury

Dream Career: Engineer in F1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekkah-astbury-9a2418159/

 

My name is Rebekkah Astbury and I’m currently studying a Masters degree in Advanced Motorsport Engineering at the National Motorsport Academy.

I have previously studied an Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at Canterbury Christ Church University. I have been a Motorsport fan my whole life and I am aspiring to achieve my dream role of being an Engineer in Formula One.

What was the moment that solidified your decision to pursue a career in motorsport?

I have always watched Formula One from as long as I remember, but there wasn’t that many places near me that you are able to study an area to do with Motorsport. This wasn’t until I was in sixth form and saw that my local college started a Motorsport Vehicle Maintenance and repair course.  I jumped at the chance as I was part of the first intake on the course.

With the course it allowed me to be able to work at Lydden Hill Race Circuit during my time at College. As well as go on a variety of trips which included the Autosport Show – seeing all the different stands on show.

Do you have a favourite team or driver, and how have they influenced your journey?

McLaren Racing – Everyone on the team shows resilience and a determination to never give up. They’ve been through some tough times recently with the car and it shows that commitment, hard work and determination  are key factors in anyone’s journey to their goals.

How has your experience at the National Motorsport Academy shaped your understanding of the industry so far?

My experience at National Motorsport Academy has shaped my understanding of the industry so far because of the different subjects taught around Motorsport. It gives you an insight into all the different areas which is a bigger step further than my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Can you share a particularly challenging or rewarding project from your coursework that has prepared you for your future career?

A rewarding project was a most recent one and one I have enjoyed the most so far which was about Multi-Physics Analysis for Motorsport. I love using and learning about all the different types of software in the industry and this project included one of them. Star CCM+. As I had no experience of using the software before, at first it was quite challenging getting to know all the features and understanding what they can do.

After experimenting with this and completing all the tasks I was able to test different scenarios of a Porsche 918 Spyder Model an analyse the results  as it would be in the industry.

It prepared me for the future because being able to use industry lead software or similar gives you an insight into what you can be doing in your job and what you can expect. Whether that’s testing models, research or analysis each project gives you a different skill beneficial to your future career.

This is what I’m enjoying the most about the National Motorsport Academy, every project is different, and you learn so much in all different areas.

What role are you aiming for in motorsport, and what excites you the most about it?

The role I am aiming for changes throughout my journey through University as I have enjoyed numerous areas within Motorsport. The main focus is in the engineering sector. What excites me the most is how every day can be different and how much you can learn from the people around you. Being able to be involved in the making of a Formula One car must feel amazing to look at the progress from the initial drawings to seeing the car out on track thinking that you were a part of it.

Are there any specific companies or teams you dream of working with in the future?

There are a few teams I have looked at which I dream of working at in the future. McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams.

How did your experience in school or college shape your resilience and determination?

It made me more determined to reach my goals There will always people who will doubt you along the way but all you can do is prove them wrong. It helped me decide even more that a career in motorsport is what I want to do.

In moments of doubt or difficulty, what keeps you motivated and focused on your goals?

Looking  at the future and what it could look like by doing what you’re doing now. Also looking back into what you have done as sometimes it can feel like you haven’t done a lot at all when in fact you have. Everybody’s journey is different.

You’ve had some incredible experiences so far, can you share more about those? How did you secure these opportunities, and how have they shaped your path, choices, and decisions in pursuing a career in motorsport?

FIA Girls on Track UK:
Numerous Events – Chaperone at the London E-Prix Girls on Track Event, Pitstop Challenge Assistant at Team Sport Karting and Buckmore Park, networking event at Williams.

Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team factory
Stemettes Networking Event

Red Bull Racing factory:
Networking Event for International Women in Engineering Day

I have volunteered for Girls on Track since 2018 when they were called Dare to be Different. I had my first opportunity with them when I was at college, and it progressed to volunteering at more events when I was at University.

These events helped me gain confidence by being able to interact with so many people and be available to the young girls who are aspiring for a future career in motorsport. These events were a lot of fun and I have met so many people along the way with similar interests and learning about their career paths.

Even if you have different aspirations in the motorsport industry we were able to give advice to each other and share our stories between other volunteer at the events who were like me.

The networking event at Mercedes AMG Petronas and Red Bull Racing were a great initiative setup to provide woman the opportunity to meet people in the industry, ask them questions and  receive advice. Hearing from so many inspirational women helped me decide that motorsport is the career path dream of doing and helping me understand that I can do it.

At the Red Bull event I was also able to get my CV looked at and receive advice on how I can stand out when applying for jobs in motorsport. The factory tours were also part of the event, and it was so surreal to look around their facilities and see what is involved in the behind the scenes of a Formula 1 Team.

These types of events are so helpful and beneficial towards the thinking and ideas of what you want to do. It also helps get an insight into their jobs and what they have been through on their journey into Motorsport. This helped in deciding which area of motorsport my focus is in, engineering.

What do you think is the biggest barrier for women in motorsport, and how can it be overcome?

I think the biggest barrier is confidence and thinking that you can do it. When you watch motorsport on TV there is still a lack of women working in the teams but there has been an increase in most recent years which is amazing to see.

I think it can be overcome by being more accessible whether that’s the teams setting up more events and initiatives. By attending some of the events myself it shows that they work and have a huge interest from women all around the world who want to pursue a career in motorsport. Everything helps and you can see how much has changed through the years.

What advice would you give to others who are just starting out on their journey into motorsport or are maybe struggling to stay focused and inspired?

Look at the small goals before the big ones as they all lead to the same place. Celebrating the achieving the small goals and experience will help you reflect on your journey and how far you ‘ve come even if you think there is still a long time to go until you reach your dream.