DESIGN OFFICE

ROLES IN F1

In the design office, there will normally be a large number of designers, responsible for designing each single part of the car.  The team of designers are responsible for producing drawings of every individual component of a Formula 1 car, and will include such details as what it’s made from, its dimensions and how it should be manufactured, using computer software.  It’s an exciting and creative department to work in.

BECOME A DESIGNER IN FORMULA 1

If you’re thinking of becoming a Designer in F1, there are a few things to consider, and you need to make sure that a career in Design matches your interests and skills.  Hopefully the following information will help you when it comes to deciding on the right career path for you.

TRAITS OF A FORMULA 1 DESIGNER

  • A designer will typically be drawn to the subjects of maths, science and design, and have an all-round passion for them.
  • You are probably a creative person, and are likely to have a passion for computing and making things/drawing.
  • You may have an interest in problem solving, how things work and how things can move faster, particularly cars, planes and even animals.
  • You will have a skill for analysing and interpreting data.
  • You thrive on pressure and don’t mind working long hours.
  • You are competitive, and want to be the best you can be.
  • You’re a team player, but can also work equally well on your own.
  • You are likely to be a very good communicator.

TYPICAL ROLES IN THE DESIGN DEPARTMENT

There are a variety of roles available within the Design department of a Formula 1 team.  These might include:

  • Design Engineer This type of role will typically involve designing components for the car.  It may also include finding solutions to any problems that have arisen on track and supporting the race team during race weekends.
  • Chief Designer This type of role will generally oversee the design department, and sign off on designs that have been tested.

WHAT KIND OF SUBJECTS DO YOU NEED TO STUDY TO BECOME A FORMULA 1 DESIGNER

Listed below are some study paths you could consider.  However, please make sure you also speak with your school/college/University careers advisor who will be able to provide help and support to you during this important time.


GCSE’s:

Maths
English
Physics
Art
IT
Further Maths
Design and Technology
Chemistry
Languages


A Levels:

Maths
Physics
Product Design
Resistant Materials
Further Maths
Chemistry
Languages

Please check with the admissions department of your preferred University to ensure that the A Level subjects you choose are acceptable for the course you wish to take, before you choose which A Levels you’d like to do. 

Further information on choosing the right A Levels for your future aspirations can be found here: https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/for-students/school-and-college-in-the-uk/subject-choices-at-school-and-college/

UNIVERSITY

INTERESTING WEBSITES

BOOKS RELATING TO DESIGN

CASE STUDY:

Jack Simmons
Graduate Design Engineer
Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

Best thing about your job:
The best thing about my job is the fast paced environment. This is one of the unique things about the F1 industry and is unparalleled in other engineering sectors. The fact that a part can go from a design on my screen to a fully manufactured component in weeks is exciting.
  Keep reading…

DESIGN INSPIRATION: