Roles in F1 / Engineering & Technical
A complete Formula 1 career guide
How to become an
F1 Aerodynamicist.
Skills, qualifications, salary and the routes that can take you from the classroom to the cutting edge of car development.
Without a sophisticated aerodynamics department, a team simply cannot compete. The aerodynamic concept of a car is the single most significant performance differentiator, influencing everything from tyre wear to fuel efficiency. The Aerodynamicist operates at the cutting edge of engineering, using complex theories and powerful tools to find performance gains that are often invisible to the naked eye but are deeply felt on the stopwatch.
Role at a glance
Inside the role
What does an F1
Aerodynamicist actually do?
A typical week might involve
Conceptual Design
Brainstorming new aerodynamic concepts and sketching initial designs, often in response to data from the previous race or a new regulation.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Using powerful software to simulate airflow over a virtual model of the car, analysing results and interpreting data to identify promising designs.
Wind Tunnel Testing
Preparing and running tests on a scale model of the car in the team’s wind tunnel to validate CFD findings in a real-world environment.
Data Analysis
Scrutinising vast amounts of data from CFD and the wind tunnel, looking for trends and performance improvements.
Collaboration
Working closely with Design Engineers to ensure aerodynamic concepts are structurally sound, and with Performance Engineers at the track.
Build the foundations
Skills and
qualifications needed.
Education
A strong degree in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering is the standard entry point. Many F1 Aerodynamicists hold a Master’s degree or PhD in a specialised area of fluid dynamics or aerodynamics.
GCSE’s
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design and Technology
Developing a strong foundation in these subjects will be valuable for pursuing a career in aerodynamics.
Technical Skills
- Fluid dynamics & aerodynamic principles
- CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks)
- CFD software (Ansys Fluent, Star-CCM+)
- Data analysis: MATLAB, Python
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.
Soft Skills
- Creative & analytical problem-solving
- Extreme attention to detail
- Cross-department teamwork
- Resilience under pressure
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
Turn ambition into evidence
How to break in:
the entry path.
Excel at STEM
Top-Tier Engineering Degree
Formula Student
Internships & Placements
Graduate Role in F1
UK salary guide
What could you
expect to earn?
Salary snapshot (Estimated)
Where the work happens
Factory-based
or trackside?
The reality
Mainly factory-based
This role is almost entirely factory-based. CFD analysis and wind tunnel work require access to the team’s powerful computers and facilities at headquarters.
The exception
Trackside positions are limited
However, Teams normally have a very small number of Trackside Aerodynamicists (normally only one) who work directly with race engineers during tests and race weekends to optimise the set-up in real-time.
These Aerodynamicists will normally have worked their way up at the factory before having the chance to work trackside.
While you probably won’t travel to races, you will be in constant communication with the trackside engineers, providing them with analysis and updates, and receiving feedback on the car’s real-world performance to feed back into the development loop.
Choose your course carefully
Relevant UK
universities.
Formula Careers does not endorse any particular University, and all educational establishments are listed in no particular order.
Hear from the people doing it
Real careers.
Real routes in.
Wind Tunnel Test Technician
Dr Kathryn Richards
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team
I ensure the wind tunnel runs smoothly and efficiently so that the aerodynamicists can develop and improve the performance of the race car. My duties also include monitoring and reporting on the performance and health of the wind tunnel itself, so it always remains in tip-top condition.
Keep reading ↗
Aerodynamicist
Jack Linley
Scuderia AlphaTauri
Once new geometries have been designed, I run Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess the impact of the changes. CFD is a very powerful tool that allows for high fidelity analysis of many dependent variables such as in-plane pressure measurements and skin friction along surfaces.
Keep reading ↗
Before you apply
Frequently asked
questions.
Do I need a PhD to be an F1 Aerodynamicist?
While not strictly necessary, a PhD in a relevant field can be a significant advantage, particularly for more senior or specialised roles. It demonstrates a deep level of expertise and research capability.
However, many successful aerodynamicists have entered the sport with a strong Master’s or even Bachelor’s degree, coupled with excellent practical experience.
How important is Formula Student?
Extremely important. It is the most highly-regarded extracurricular activity for aspiring F1 engineers. It shows passion, practical skills, and an understanding of the entire car development process.
If your university has a Formula Student team, join it.
Can I move into F1 from another industry like aerospace?
You will need to demonstrate your ability to adapt to the incredibly fast-paced and high-pressure environment of Formula 1.
Keep exploring