Working as a Formula 1 mechanic is the dream job for anyone with a passion for motorsports and performance cars. Okay, maybe being a driver is THE dream, but that's not why you're here, is it? This article gathers the answers to the most common questions you may have about becoming a Formula 1 mechanic.
Steps
Question 1 of 6: What kind of formal education do Formula 1 mechanics need?
Step 1. At least a high school diploma or equivalent
Motorsports mechanics generally enter the field with at least this level of formal education. If you are still in high school, put your head down and try to get good grades to prepare yourself to start a career in Formula 1. Generally, a college degree is not required to become a Formula 1 mechanic.
Ultimately, experience is what Formula 1 employers typically look for, but it can be very difficult to obtain without prior education
Step 2. Classes in math, computer science, auto repair, and electronics can help
Choose electives in these subjects if your school offers them. Any technical class can help you prepare for a career as a motorsports mechanic by working with high-performance cars, which may have many high-tech electrical components and mechanical parts.
- You can also join relevant extracurricular clubs, such as a computer or math club.
- In addition to technical classes, learning another language like English or Italian can be helpful. Formula 1 is an international sport, so these skills will look good on your resume.
Step 3. Mechanical engineering and motor vehicle courses are a bonus
These courses provide a combination of classroom education and practical experience. You will learn more technical skills that you can use in future jobs as a Formula 1 mechanic. Additional education is also very beneficial on a resume and can help you land your first auto mechanic job to start gaining experience.
- If you live in the UK, take one to three A-level courses in these subjects.
- If you live in the United States or Canada, you can take an auto mechanic certification course after high school at a technical institution.
- In the United States, mechanics must pass an EPA exam at the end of the course. They can choose to be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which can look good on the resume.
Question 2 of 6: What other skills and attributes should I have?
Step 1. You must be passionate about motorsports
If you make your way to the top and become a Formula 1 mechanic, sport will be a very important part of your life. Make sure you really love racing and that it is what you want to spend a large part of your life and time on. This way, you will be less likely to burn out when faced with the pressures of work.
Keep in mind that being a Formula 1 mechanic does not mean that you will see every race. You will have to work on and off the tracks, and being in the races, you will not just be there to watch, so passion for all aspects of the sport is very important
Step 2. Make sure you can work fast and under pressure
You must be able to change parts and correct problems in a matter of minutes so that the driver and his car get back on the track as quickly as possible during a race. Being a Formula 1 mechanic involves a lot more speed and pressure than working on someone's car at a neighborhood auto shop.
In addition to being important for winning races, this is also a safety issue. If you sink under the pressure of working too fast, you could make mistakes that put the driver at risk
Step 3. You will need good teamwork skills and a team player mentality
The driver might get most of the attention when the team wins the race, but he couldn't win the race without a dedicated group of mechanics. Make sure you communicate effectively and work well with others as part of a team working toward a common goal.
In addition to working with the driver and other mechanics, you will also receive instructions from a Formula 1 engineer regarding the car you work with
Question 3 of 6: How can you get relevant work experience?
Step 1. Offer your services for free in relevant places of interest
Write to auto companies, auto repair shops, and any other type of company where you can put your mechanic skills to use. Explain that you want to gain experience and that you would be happy to work without being paid for a while.
If you take post-secondary courses in something like motor vehicle engineering or auto mechanics, your school may be able to help you get an internship or internship of some kind
Step 2. Apply for paid jobs with non-Formula 1 race teams
Do an online search for racing team jobs in other leagues such as Formula 3, Formula 2, Formula Junior, and the various Formula leagues of specific car manufacturers. Complete and apply for as many roles as possible and try to get your first job in motorsports.
If you live near a local race track, even something like a rally track, you can get a job with a very small local team to start with
Step 3. Try to get an apprenticeship in Formula 1
Visit the websites of the various Formula 1 sports teams and car manufacturers to see if they have apprenticeship programs. Evaluate the application requirements and process, and follow the steps to apply. If you can't find learning programs right away, keep checking and trying.
- The general requirements for the internship or internship programs are passing grades in high school or equivalent education, and classes in math, English, and science.
- If you are lucky and get an apprentice position for a Formula 1 team, perhaps you can work your way up and stay with the team when the program ends.
Question 4 of 6: How to apply for a job in Formula 1?
Step 1. Apply online for vacant Formula 1 positions with race teams and automakers
Visit the websites of all the teams and manufacturers you can find and look for the racing page on each one. Read the vacancy and apply for any position for which you are even slightly qualified.
There are motorsport-specific job posting sites that include a variety of shows with Formula 1 teams
Step 2. Write to different Formula 1 teams and ask if you can work for them
Even if you don't find vacancies or your applications are rejected, you can keep trying your luck. Find the email addresses or physical addresses of as many racing teams as you can and send them letters explaining why you want to work for them and what your background is. Ask if there are any positions available that they can hire you for.
As much as they reject you, some teams might be nice enough to answer you and tell you what experience you lack based on what they are looking for. Then you can try to get that experience through another job or course
Step 3. Be persistent and apply consistently
Don't give up if you keep getting rejection letters or don't hear from your applications. You search for job openings with teams and automakers every day, and keep submitting those applications online. Keep writing to teams and asking if you can work for them, especially if you've gained more experience since you last contacted.
Remember that even if you don't get your dream job as a Formula 1 mechanic, there are many motorsports leagues that could offer you an equally fun job for a few years until you are more qualified to work in Formula 1
Question 5 of 6: What is it like to work as a Formula 1 mechanic?
Step 1. You will spend a lot of time traveling and away from home
Formula 1 teams spend up to 250 days a year traveling. This means that you will be away from your family, friends and loved ones, and you will spend hours on airplanes and other means of transportation.
- Pre-season testing begins in February for Formula 1, with the final race ending in November.
- It is here that the passion for sports becomes very useful. As time-consuming as the job is, you'll be doing something you love.
Step 2. You may have to work long hours and cannot get enough sleep
Mechanics generally leave the hotel early, around 6:30 or 7:30 a.m. m. to go to the track. Sometimes you may work late (like 11pm) and do it again the next day. In other words, it is not a typical eight hour job.
The good news is that you will know your schedule for the whole year, so you can plan trips home and free time. You will also have long vacations twice a year, in December and August
Step 3. It's loud
You will spend a lot of time in workshops and race tracks with the constant noise of power tools and fast cars. Wear appropriate eye protection when working to avoid hearing problems later in life.
Question 6 of 6: How much money do Formula 1 mechanics make?
Step 1. Average salary varies based on position and experience
However, the starting annual salary is about $ 30,000. On the other hand, mechanic crew leaders can earn a grand sum of up to $ 1,000,000 per year.