Written by Louise McGrath of Formula Careers
“There’s nothing near me.”
It’s one of the most common frustrations I hear from people trying to break into the motorsport industry.
No events.
No networking.
No opportunities.
And look, I get it. Motorsport hubs like Silverstone are magnets for activity. If you’re not near one, it can feel like you’re already on the back foot.
But here’s the mindset shift:
If you can’t find opportunities near you, it’s time to create them.
This is Formula 1 we’re talking about – an industry built on innovation, creative thinking, and making the impossible happen. If you’re serious about getting into this industry, you need to start thinking like the people already in it.
So if there are no networking events in your area, no local motorsport meetups, no nearby teams, then you have two choices:
- Wait and hope.
- Lead and build.
Which one do you think looks better on your CV?
Why “There’s Nothing Near Me” is Holding You Back in Motorsport
It might feel like a fact, but it’s often just a belief. And beliefs can be challenged.
Teams look for problem-solvers, self-starters, and people who think outside the box. If you’re the person who spotted a gap and built something from nothing? That’s initiative, and it stands out.
Whether you’re a student, a career switcher, or just someone obsessed with motorsport who doesn’t live near the action, there are ways to create your own path.
How to Create Your Own Motorsport Networking Opportunities
If you can’t attend something local… start something local. Or virtual. Or hybrid. Here’s what that could look like:
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Host a motorsport meetup in your town. Doesn’t matter if it’s three people in a Starbucks. It’s a start.
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Create a virtual networking group on LinkedIn, Discord, or WhatsApp. If you’re looking for community, others are too.
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Run a motorsport careers Q&A night at your school, university, or community centre. It shows leadership and builds your network.
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Interview professionals and turn it into a blog, podcast, or video series. Instant credibility, plus great conversation starters.
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Use our Motorsport Career Bot – your AI-powered research assistant – to:
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Discover motorsport companies in your region
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Explore suppliers and hidden opportunities
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Brainstorm event ideas or outreach templates
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Pad out your guest list for a local or virtual networking night
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Think of it like your 24/7 career co-pilot.
These aren’t throwaway suggestions. They’re career-building actions that show teams exactly the kind of thinker you are.
FC’s Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something and it doesn’t exist… maybe that’s because you were meant to be the one who creates it.
So instead of saying:
“There’s nothing near me.”
Try asking:
“What would I love to exist here – and what’s the smallest way I can start it?”
This industry doesn’t just reward talent. It rewards initiative.
And this is your moment to prove you’ve got it.
Further reading: getting work experience in F1