Welcome to the Aerodynamics Department

Motorsport aerodynamics is the study of how air flows around a race car and how it can be manipulated to improve its performance. In Formula 1, aerodynamics is one of the most critical aspects of car design, and it can make all the difference between winning and losing a race.

If you’re passionate about motorsports and want to pursue a career in this field, this guide will provide you with an overview of job opportunities, work experience and educational paths.

Let’s talk about careers in aerodynamics

What traits does an aerodynamicist typically have?

An aerodynamicist should have a deep understanding of fluid mechanics, vehicle dynamics, and other related fields. They need to be able to work well in a team, have excellent problem-solving skills, and be able to think creatively to come up with innovative solutions.

Attention to detail is also critical, as even the smallest design changes can have a significant impact on the car’s performance.

Typical aerodynamics roles in F1 and the wider motorsport industry

Typical job roles within motorsport aerodynamics include:

• Aerodynamicists
• CFD Engineers
• Wind Tunnel Technicians
• Data Analysts

Each role plays an essential part in the development and optimization of the car’s aerodynamics.

What to study

If you’re interested in a career in aerodynamics, here are some study paths that you can consider (note, the qualifications listed are based on the UK education system):

GCSEs:

• Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design and Technology

Developing a strong foundation in these subjects will be valuable for pursuing a career in aerodynamics.

A Levels:

• Mathematics and Physics
• Further Mathematics, Chemistry, and Design and Technology can also be useful

Having strong A Level qualifications in these subjects will help prepare you for further study in aerodynamics.

Undergraduate degree:

• Pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
• Look for specialised courses in motorsport engineering or aerodynamics, which can provide valuable knowledge and skills specific to the field

Postgraduate degree:

• Consider a postgraduate degree in aerodynamics or aerospace engineering if you’re looking to advance your career or pursue research in the field

Remember: This information is designed to be helpful and should not take the place of professional careers advisors. 

What does a career in aerodynamics look like?

Aerodynamic specialists in motorsport employ cutting-edge technology to assess and enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency. Collaborating with fellow team members like engineers, designers, and drivers, these experts fine-tune the car’s aerodynamics to suit the unique demands of each racing scenario.

A selection of universities in the UK which offer a relevant engineering programme

Cranfield University

Loughborough University

Newcastle University

Queen Mary University of London

University of Bath

University of Birmingham

University of Edinburgh

University of Liverpool

University of Nottingham

University of Sheffield

Aerodynamics videos

Let’s talk about work experience and extra-curricular activities

Gaining work experience and participating in enrichment projects can be valuable ways to develop your skills and knowledge in the field. Here are some ideas:

• Internships: Many motorsport teams and engineering firms offer internships for students and recent graduates. These can provide valuable hands-on experience in aerodynamics and related fields.
• Formula Student: Formula Student is a global engineering competition in which university teams design, build, and race their own single-seater race car. Participating in Formula Student can provide a wealth of experience in vehicle design, aerodynamics, and more.
• Aerodynamics clubs or societies: Joining an aerodynamics club or society can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and gain experience in aerodynamics through projects and activities.
• Personal projects: Simulating aerodynamic concepts using software, can demonstrate your passion and dedication to the field.

Some ideas of where to look for work experience:

• Motorsport teams: There are many teams in many series not just in the UK but all over the world. Oftentimes you will have more luck finding work experience with a team in a lower series than an F1 team. Try everywhere, don’t limit yourself to only gaining experience in F1.
• Automotive Engineering firms: Companies such as McLaren Applied Technologies, Ricardo, and Lotus Engineering provide engineering services for the automotive and motorsport industries and may offer work experience opportunities.
• Aerospace engineering firms: Companies such as BAE Systems and Airbus may offer work experience opportunities in aerodynamics, which can be applicable to motorsport.

Remember, gaining work experience and participating in enrichment projects can be really valuable for building your skills and knowledge in aerodynamics. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities and don’t be afraid to take on challenging projects! These experiences can set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs in the future. Good luck!

Case studies and further information

Case studies

Recommended reading

Aerodynamics for Racing and Performance Cars

By Joe Katz – This book provides a practical guide to the fundamentals of race car aerodynamics, with a focus on performance optimisation. It covers topics such as vehicle design, wind tunnel testing, and computational fluid dynamics.