F1 Placement Season 2026: It’s Time!
Wait… this is actually happening
You could be in F1 next year. Walking past the very people you’ve admired for so long. Working on data that affects race strategy. Being part of the team when they cross the finish line.
This isn’t some distant fantasy – placement applications have already started to be released. The same sport you’ve watched religiously, the teams you’ve supported, the technology that’s fascinated you since you were a kid… you could actually be part of it.
For 12 months, you won’t just be watching F1 – you’ll be making it happen.
But let’s keep it real – this is one path to an amazing career in motorsport. If F1 doesn’t happen this year, there are plenty of other ways to get involved in the sport you love.
The Reality Check Nobody’s Giving You
Everyone else wants this too. They’re about to spam the same generic applications. Most will get polite rejection emails.
The difference between dreaming and doing? Actually understanding how to stand out.
Part 1: The Application Game (It’s Not What You Think)
They’re not looking for the “perfect” candidate
They’re looking for someone who:
- Actually researched their team
- Can prove they’ve built something
- Won’t be a nightmare to work with
- Shows they can learn fast
That’s it. Emphasis on learning fast.
The numbers game:
The exact figures aren’t public, but here’s what we know:
- Every major F1 team, of which there are only ten, gets thousands of applications for 15-25 placement spots
- Success rate: Roughly 1-2% of applicants get offers
- Most applications are generic copy-paste jobs
Translation: Your application has 30 seconds to not get binned.
Part 2: Your CV – Make It Impossible to Ignore
Why? Because they’re about to invest 12 months of training, mentoring, and resources into you
They know you can’t do the job yet – you’re a student. What they need to see is that you’re worth the investment. Can you learn fast? Do you take initiative? Will you contribute something back during your time there?
Stop listing what you studied. Start proving what you built, which proves you can apply what you’re learning.
Instead of: “Studied aerodynamics, achieved 68% average” Write: “Designed rear wing modification using CFD analysis – increased downforce by 12% in wind tunnel testing”
The 3-project rule:
Pick your 3 best projects. For each one, answer:
- What problem did you solve?
- What tools did you use? (Be specific – Python, SOLIDWORKS, etc.)
- What was the result? (Numbers = gold)
CV sections that actually matter:
- Projects (biggest section)
- Technical skills (software, programming, etc.)
- Education (just degree, grade so far, future graduation date)
- Contact info
That’s it. No unnecessary fluff.
Part 3: Cover Letters That Get You Interviews
Why? Because 90% of students send the exact same generic letter
“I’ve been passionate about F1 since I was 5…” – they’ve read that opening 500 times this week. Stand out by showing you actually researched them specifically.
Our own formula:
30 seconds to read. 3 paragraphs. One page.
Para 1: Who you are + what you want “3rd year Mechanical Engineering student applying for Aerodynamics placement at McLaren.”
Para 2: Why them specifically (this is where 90% fail) “Your recent partnership with Formula E on sustainable tech aligns with my final project on electric vehicle efficiency. I’m particularly interested in how McLaren’s applying battery cooling strategies from FE to F1.”
Para 3: What you bring “My CFD experience and Formula Student background means I can contribute to airflow analysis from week one.”
Research shortcuts:
- Recent press releases (last 3 months)
- LinkedIn posts from their senior engineers
- Their sustainability/tech partnerships
Time investment: 20 minutes per application. Totally worth it.
Part 4: The Skills That Actually Get You Hired
Why? Because it shows you’re open to constantly and consistently learning
F1 moves fast. New regulations, new tech, new data every race weekend. Teams don’t want someone who learned Excel in first year and called it done. They want people who see a gap in their knowledge and go fill it.
Stop learning random stuff. Focus on what teams use daily:
For Engineering roles:
- Python – Data analysis, automation
- CAD – SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, Fusion 360
- MATLAB – Vehicle dynamics, control systems
For Strategy/Performance:
- Excel/Power BI – Race analysis, tire strategy
- SQL basics – Telemetry data queries
- Python – Data visualisation
For Marketing/Comms:
- Adobe Creative Suite – Content creation
- Analytics tools – Social media insights
- Video editing – Premiere Pro/Final Cut
The 2-week skill hack:
- Pick ONE from your target area
- Find a free course (YouTube, Coursera, whatever)
- Build a small project with it
- Add it to your CV with the project example
Example: “Used Python to analyse F1 lap time data – identified optimal tire strategy patterns across different track temperatures”
Part 5: Interview Reality – They Want to See How You Think
Why? Because technical skills can be taught, but curiosity and problem-solving ability can’t
They know you’re a student, not a 10-year veteran. What they’re really testing is: can you think logically under pressure and learn from your mistakes?
What they’re actually testing:
- Can you explain your own work clearly?
- Do you learn from mistakes?
- Will you ask good questions?
- Are you genuinely interested or just chasing the brand?
Questions you are likely to get:
- “Walk me through this project”
- “What went wrong and how did you fix it?”
- “How would you approach [technical scenario]?”
- “Why us and not [other team]?”
Your prep strategy:
- Week 1: Master your own CV – practice explaining each project in 90 seconds
- Week 2: Research the team deeply – know their recent tech and/or operational developments
- Week 3: Practice technical scenarios related to your target role
If you don’t know something:
Good answer: “I haven’t worked with that, but I’d start by researching X and Y, then probably test with Z approach.” Bad answer: Making stuff up or saying “I don’t know” and stopping there.
Part 6: The Application Strategy (Quality Over Quantity)
Why? Because generic mass applications are obvious and always fail
Teams can tell when you’ve copy-pasted the same application 15 times. It shows you don’t actually care about working for them specifically – just any F1 team.
The smart approach:
Keep your options open – there’s a whole motorsport ecosystem beyond just F1 teams.
Your application map:
Tier 1: F1 Teams
- Your dream teams where you’d genuinely love to work
- Research them properly, tailor everything
Tier 2: The Broader F1 World
- Suppliers: Pirelli, Brembo, Shell, Petronas, AP Racing
- Broadcast/Media: Sky Sports F1, Formula 1 Management
- Tech Partners: AWS, Microsoft, Oracle (they all work with F1)
Tier 3: Motorsport Ecosystem
- Other series: F2, F3, Formula E teams
- Automotive: McLaren Automotive, Mercedes-AMG, Ferrari road cars
- Engineering consultancies that work with F1 teams
Why this works:
- Less competition for non-team roles
- Still gives you motorsport experience
- Often easier path into F1 later
- Shows you understand the whole industry
Timelines:
August (NOW):
- Pick your target teams
- Polish CV with project stories
- Learn one new skill
Early September:
- Applications start to go live
- Apply within first week (shows you’re organised)
- Quality check everything twice, including names of teams and key members of staff (believe me when I say we’ve seen it all – don’t be that person who leaves in [insert name here], copy/pastes from ChatGPT, or types ‘mclaren’ instead of McLaren Racing).
September-November:
- Interview invites go out
- Practice technical questions
- Research interviewers on LinkedIn
November-January:
- Interview season
- Assessment centres
- Follow up professionally
Red flags that get are likely to get you rejected:
- Generic applications
- Spelling mistakes (seriously)
- No research about the team
- Can’t explain your own projects
- Asking about salary/benefits in first interview
Part 7: What Happens Next (The Bit No One Talks About)
If you get a placement:
You did it. Whether it’s with an F1 team, a supplier, or in the broader motorsport world – you’re about to spend 12 months working in the sport you love. You’ll be part of the industry, learning from experts, building connections.
This is your chance to be part of motorsport history in the making.
If you don’t get anything:
Take a breath. Rejection hits different when it’s something you really want. Here’s the truth – most people in F1 didn’t get in on their first try.
Your options:
- Summer internships – 3-month opportunities, less competitive
- Year out approach – Take a gap year, build more projects, apply stronger next time
- Alternative route – Automotive graduate schemes, engineering consultancies
- Keep building – University projects, Formula Student, personal coding projects
Managing the mental side:
It’s normal to feel stressed about this. Placement season can mess with your head. Some things that help:
- Remember it’s not personal – rejection is about fit, not your worth
- You have backup plans – this isn’t your only shot at a great career and not every path to F1 is a direct one, for good reason
- Talk to people – friends, family, university counsellors when it gets overwhelming
- Keep perspective – there are loads of ways to work in motorsport
The long game:
Your love for this sport is what will carry you through. Whether you get into F1 this year, next year, or take a completely different route that leads there eventually – passion for motorsport opens doors.
The FC Bottom Line
This is your chance to work in motorsport. Not necessarily F1 (though that would be amazing of course), but in the industry you’re passionate about.
Most students will:
- Only apply to F1 teams and ignore everything else
- Panic when rejections come
- Give up instead of exploring other routes
You’re going to:
- Apply strategically across the whole motorsport ecosystem
- Show teams and companies you understand what they actually do
- Handle rejection like a pro and keep exploring opportunities
- Find your way into the sport you love
The motorsport world is bigger than just 10 F1 teams. There are hundreds of companies, suppliers, media organisations, and engineering firms all connected to the sport you’re passionate about.
Your dream of working in motorsport is totally achievable. Let’s make it happen.
Your Next Steps (Do Today)
- Research the ecosystem – F1 teams, suppliers, media companies, automotive brands
- Audit your CV – Focus on projects and problem-solving
- Choose one skill to learn – Python, CAD, whatever fits your target area
- Set up mental health support – Tell someone you trust about your goals so they can support you through the process
- Use our Motorsport Career Chat Bot on ChatGPT – FC Motorsport Chat Bot
Stop planning. Start doing. Your motorsport career starts now.
Ready to dominate placement season? Our CV template and info page has what you need to get started.
The small print: Application processes change, deadlines shift, and requirements vary by team. Always double-check everything on official websites before applying. This guide can not and does not guarantee outcomes – that part’s up to you. We’re not officially connected to any F1 teams, just passionate about helping you get there. Formula Careers accepts no responsibility for application outcomes or decisions made based on this guide. Always consult a career counsellor.