Information Technology

If you’re thinking of pursuing a career within IT in F1, there are a few things to consider, and you need to make sure that a career in IT matches your interests and skills.  Hopefully the following information will help you when it comes to deciding on the right career path for you. Disclaimer – the information below is not intended to be a replacement for professional careers advice.

• An IT engineer with typical have a mathematical or analytic mindset, and will be drawn to science led subjects such as maths and physics.
• You are likely to have an interest in problem solving and how things work
• You will have a keen interest in IT already and be digitally focused.
• You thrive on pressure and don’t mind working long hours.
• You are also competitive, and want to be the best you can be.
• You’re a team player, but can also work equally well on your own.

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

• IT Support Engineer This type of role will typically involve supporting the IT network within a team. This may be looking after hardware and software at the factory or head office, or even at track side.
• Network Engineers This role may involve the building and maintenance of the networks connecting the offices, tracks and data centres.
• IT Manager This is normally a management type of position where you may look after a team of IT people and be responsible for the budgets in your department.

Typically to work in IT in Formula 1, you will have a keen interest and a natural talent for technology or a science subject.  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
Information Technology
Design and Technology
Computer Science
Languages

A Levels:

Maths
Computer Science
Languages

If you intend to go to University, 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/

There are many different types of UK University courses on offer if you are interested in a future career in IT.  

University Courses to consider (in no particular order):

University of Manchester – Computer Science
University of Keele – Computer Science
Imperial College London – Computing (AI & Machine Intelligence)
University of Surrey – Computer Science

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
https://www.ucas.com/

The Student Room
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk

A brief history of computing in F1 – McLaren
https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/a-brief-history-of-computing-in-F1-1052199/

High-performance computing drives high-performance F1 cars to success
https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/High-performance-computing-drives-high-performance-F1-cars-to-success

Artificial Intelligence and Formula 1: Bots on pole position in the race for technology
https://news.microsoft.com/apac/features/artificial-intelligence-formula-one-bots-pole-position-race-technology/

Under the skin: F1’s tech revolution examined
https://www.theweek.co.uk/in-depth/89163/under-the-skin-f1-s-tech-revolution-examined

• Information Security Principles
• Designing Distributed Systems
• Designing Data Intensive Applications