Working as an F1 racing team mechanic is a dream job for anyone who enjoys racing and high-speed cars. The dream of becoming a racer is indeed more popular, but that's not why you're reading this article, is it? We've compiled answers to some of the most common questions about how to become an F1 racing team mechanic.
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Question 1 of 6: What formal education does an F1 car mechanic need?
Step 1. At a minimum, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent
Most racing team mechanics enter this field with a minimum level of high school education. If you are currently still in high school, study hard and get the best grades to build a career in F1. A bachelor's degree is generally not mandatory for an F1 car mechanic.
Basically, experience is what the F1 racing team is looking for the most. However, it is difficult to find work experience if you do not have a degree from formal education
Step 2. Skills in math, automotive repair, and electronics can help you
Look for educational pathways that focus on these areas. Things related to engineering can help you start your career as a race team mechanic who often deals with high-speed cars equipped with many high-tech electrical components and parts.
- You can also join a relevant extracurricular club, such as a computer club or math club.
- Apart from engineering, learning another language, such as Italian or German, is also very beneficial. F1 is an international racing competition so foreign language skills can make your resume look more attractive.
Step 3. Mechanical engineering and automotive engineering graduates are a plus
The two branches of engineering provide a mix of formal education and work experience. You will learn many technical skills that can be used in your work as an F1 mechanic in the future. Additional education can also “beautify” your resume, as well as help you land your first automotive job to gain experience.
- If you live in the UK, take 1 to 3 grade A levels relevant to the discipline above.
- If you live in the United States or Canada, you can take automotive mechanic certification classes after graduating from high school through technical education institutions.
- In the United States, mechanics must pass the EPA exam at the end of their education. They can also choose to be certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence to make their resume more attractive.
Question 2 of 6: What additional skills and attributes should I have?
Step 1. You must have a strong interest in racing
If you manage to become a mechanic for an F1 racing team, the sport will become a big part of your life. Make sure you are passionate about racing and are willing to dedicate most of your time and life to it. Thus, you will not be easily stressed when facing the pressure of this job.
Remember, being an F1 mechanic doesn't mean you just watch races throughout the season. You will work on and off the track. When the race goes on, you don't just watch it. Therefore, a great interest in all aspects of the sport of racing is very important
Step 2. Make sure you can work quickly under pressure
You should be able to replace parts and fix problems with your vehicle in a matter of minutes so the driver can get back to the track as quickly as possible during the race. F1 mechanic job is much faster and stressful compared to mechanic job in regular auto repair shop!
In addition to having to work fast in order to win the match, you also have to maintain the safety of the rider. If you fail to cope with the pressure to work fast, you can make mistakes that put the racer's life at risk
Step 3. You must have the ability to work together and a “team player” mindset
The racer may get the most attention when the team wins the race, but he can't win without the support of a reliable team of mechanics! Make sure you are able to communicate effectively and work well as a team member to achieve a common goal.
As well as working with other drivers and mechanics, you'll also receive instructions about the cars to use from F1 engineers
Question 3 of 6: How to get relevant work experience?
Step 1. Offer free work to relevant places that interest you
Send letters to automotive companies, repair shops, and other types of businesses that are relevant to your skills. Explain that you are looking to gain experience and are willing to work without pay for a while.
If you major in college such as mechanical engineering or automotive engineering, the university may be able to find an internship or place of practice that matches your field of science
Step 2. Submit a full-time job application to a racing team outside of F1 competition
Use the internet to find work in other racing leagues, such as Formula 3, Formula 2, Formula Junior, and other Formula leagues. Submit as many applications as possible to try to land your first job in the automotive field.
If you live near a local race track, such as a rally track, you might try applying for a job with a small team in your area as a start
Step 3. Try to find internship opportunities in F1
Visit the websites of F1 teams and car manufacturers and look for internships there. Pay attention to the application requirements and the process, then follow the steps to register. If you don't find an internship opportunity right away, keep looking.
- A general requirement for internships is a high school transcript or equivalent that lists math, English, and science grades.
- If you're lucky enough to get an internship with the F1 team, you may be able to make a positive impression and continue working there after the program ends.
Question 4 of 6: How do I apply for a job on an F1 racing team?
Step 1. Submit applications online to F1 racing teams and car manufacturers
Visit the official websites of the F1 team and their car manufacturers, then check out the career pages on each of them. Read the job vacancies listed and submit applications for positions that match your qualifications.
There is also a career-specific racing website that lists job openings for different F1 racing teams
Step 2. Write to some F1 teams and ask if you can work for them
Even if you can't find a job application or get rejected, you can still try to submit an application. Find the e-mail or office addresses of several racing teams, then send a letter explaining your motivation for working there and your experience. Ask if the team has any vacancies you can fill.
Even if you get rejected, some teams may be kind enough to send you a reply and tell you what qualifications you must have to join. Seek experience to meet these qualifications through employment or other educational pathways
Step 3. Don't give up and send out cover letters constantly
Don't give up if you receive a rejection letter or don't get a reply from a submitted application. Look for job openings in the F1 team or car manufacturer every day and keep sending applications. Also write to the racing team directly and ask for information on available vacancies, especially if you have gained more experience since the last time you applied.
Remember, even if you don't land your dream job as an F1 mechanic, there are plenty of other racing leagues where you can work for a few years until you're qualified enough to work in F1
Question 5 of 6: What jobs does an F1 mechanic do?
Step 1. You will spend a lot of time traveling out of town
F1 racing teams spend 250 days a year traveling. In other words, you'll be away from family, friends, and spouse, and spend a lot of time on planes and other modes of transportation.
- The F1 pre-season test starts in February, while the final races take place at the end of November.
- This is why you must have a great interest in the world of racing. Even if you spend a lot of time, you'll still enjoy doing what you love.
Step 2. You can work late and sleep deprived
The mechanic usually leaves his hotel in the morning, around 06.30 or 07.30, to come to the track. Sometimes, you can work until 11 PM, then do the same thing the next day. In other words, the working hours are not the same as that of an ordinary employee!
The good news is, you can immediately find out the full year's work schedule so you can plan your trip home and vacation in advance. You also get a long holiday twice a year, in December and August
Step 3. Your work area is very noisy
You will spend a lot of time in the repair shop and near the track and constantly hear the sounds of power tools and racing cars. Wear ear protection when working to prevent serious hearing problems in the future.
Question 6 of 6: What is the salary of an F1 racing team mechanic?
Step 1. The average salary of a mechanic varies greatly by position and experience
However, you will at least get an annual salary of around IDR 400 million. The chief of the mechanical crew, on the other hand, can pocket a salary of up to IDR 14 billion per year!
