For most of my time growing up, the world of motorsport has fascinated me. From the engineers to the drivers and from the technicians to the photographers, I knew from the age of 14 that I wanted to be involved in this incredible world. So, to put it simply, I started to write.
I’ve had a Twitter account since I entered my teenage years, and I used that to approach small Formula 1 websites. I wanted to write about everything relating to Formula 1. And that’s what I did. While in Year 10 at secondary school I’d spend my evenings after GCSE revision writing articles, and transcribing driver interviews.
I did this until I turned 16 and I decided to set up my own blog. From there, things snowballed. While at sixth form, studying my A Levels, I’d frequently undertake work experience during the holidays. I worked with MPA Creative, the team who do the PR for Dare To Be Different, I spent a week at The Daily Mail on their sports desk and I worked at a local PR company.
I have always been incredibly career driven, and everything since that young age has been angled towards one day working in motorsport media.
At 18, I went for an assessment day in Twickenham with the dream of becoming an ‘Autosport Junior’. I was successful, and enrolled in their academy of budding writers. As a member of the Autosport Academy, I participate in classes with the staff and frequently undertake other tasks from their contacts.
Since 18, I have also worked with Formula 1 teams, most notably Mercedes on two occasions. Wearing their full uniform at the car launch event and working with the staff has to be the proudest moment I’ve experienced. I remember crying as I drove away from Silverstone after the day had finished. For over four years I’d dreamed about something like this happening, and for those few days I’d taken off college, I was experiencing it.
I went to university with a lot of experience under my belt compared to my course-mates. In my first year studying journalism at City, University of London I got my first break. I worked part-time as a press officer for the Michelin Clio Cup Series. This was a demanding challenge – I was thrown into the deep end and I had to learn brand new skills very quickly. But, I loved every minute of it and I felt very lucky to travel all over the country doing what I love.
That taster made me want to work in F1 even more. As a result, continue to freelance while I study and I am undertaking a motorsport PR internship this summer.
The funny thing is, my teachers at sixth form told me not to focus on motorsport. They didn’t particularly want me to study journalism either. They urged me to do a broader degree, like politics or geography. I stuck to my guns and, so far, I am proving them wrong.
I’ve gone from a small village in Essex to living in London, and I’m incredibly excited for the next chapter. One day, I’ll call Formula 1 my home.