Aerodynamics Unlocked:
Master the F1 Essentials
Master the fundamentals of aerodynamics with guidance from an F1 expert. Strengthen your CV, deepen your technical knowledge, and stand out in competitive job markets.
Your Instructor
Willem Toet
Former Head of Aerodynamics at Ferrari, BMW, Benetton. 30 years experience in F1 aero.
Our next aerodynamics course will take place across three dates:
– Saturday 21st December 2024
– Saturday 4th January 2025
– Saturday 11th January 2025
Willem was previously Head of Aerodynamics at
A note from Scott Mansell, Founder of Driver61.
Dear future motorsport engineer,Â
Scott from Driver61 here. I wanted to tell you a little about why this course exists.
Over the first half of 2024, I spoke to more than 50 HR representatives from motorsport companies as part of my research for our sister company, Fluid Jobs, which connects people to motorsport careers.
And there was one thing they all told me.
Every HR rep emphasised the importance of showing initiative.Â
Employers want to see students and early-career engineers taking on extracurriculars, projects like Formula Student, or additional courses.Â
It’s this type of proactive learning that sets candidates apart from others with the same degree.
In this course, you’ll go beyond what most applicants bring to the table by building a foundation in aerodynamics with the guidance of one of the most knowledgeable and passionate instructors I’ve ever met.Â
This is practical, insider knowledge from someone with decades of experience in Formula 1, designed to help you showcase real expertise.
That’s why we created this course: to give committed individuals like you the chance to develop unique skills and gain an edge in the field.
Because here’s the reality…
Motorsport is more competitive than ever, with countless applicants bringing similar qualifications. Today, degrees alone aren’t enough to break through.
Whether you’re a student in high school or university, a recent graduate, or simply a Formula 1 enthusiast, having practical aerodynamics knowledge from a top F1 expert demonstrates initiative.Â
It shows a commitment to mastering the science of speed, giving you a critical advantage.
Your CV tells a new story: not only are you equipped with theory, but you’re actively pursuing the practical knowledge needed in racing.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Willem and I look forward to seeing you in the course!
Who Is This Course For?
Students who want to gain a real edge in motorsport engineering by building foundational skills in aerodynamics and setting themselves apart from typical candidates.
Early-career engineers or recent graduates eager to add specialised aero knowledge to their CV and demonstrate initiative to future employers in the motorsport industry.
Those who have a passion for Formula 1 and want to dive deeper into the science of speed and understand the principles that drive aerodynamics.
What You’ll Get Out of This Course
Master the Core of Aerodynamics
Understand the essential principles of aerodynamics, simplified and clarified by F1 expert Willem Toet. You’ll learn the science behind airflow, pressure, and boundary layers, empowering you to explain and apply these concepts in your studies or career. That means you’ll be able to explain and apply these concepts like a pro in your studies or career.
Real-World Problem Solving
Aerodynamics in motorsport isn’t just theory—it’s problem-solving at high speed. Learn how top engineers tackle design challenges, test limits, and optimise performance, and gain the tools to approach problems with the confidence and mindset of an F1 team.
Insider Access to F1 Knowledge
Willem Toet’s decades of F1 experience are distilled into actionable insights. You’ll see what it’s like to work on championship-winning teams and gain unparalleled knowledge about how aerodynamic choices impact lap times and car performance. That means you’ll train your brain to think and act like the head of department lead at an F1 team.
Avoid Common Aerodynamic Pitfalls
Discover the challenges teams face with correlation, track testing, and simulations. Learn to identify these issues and how to overcome them, arming yourself with practical expertise most applicants only dream of having.
Interactive Live Learning Experience
Engage in live sessions packed with Q&A opportunities. This format ensures you not only absorb the content but interact with it—asking questions, discussing real examples, and solidifying your understanding in real-time.
Transform Your Career Prospects
Aerodynamics expertise can make your CV stand out from a sea of applicants. Completing this course signals to employers that you have the initiative, specialised knowledge, and hands-on experience they value in top candidates.
Which means you stand out as a level above the thousands of other applicants and dramatically increase your chances of securing that job.
This Course Includes
Three live, 3-hour 45-minute sessions
Direct access to an F1 veteran
Private community of peers
Course resources included
Guided feedback and reflection
Course certificate upon completion
Exclusive Q&As with industry expert
Over 11 hours of live sessions
Driver61 Education Satisfaction Guarantee
This course is backed by Driver61 Education’s guarantee. If you complete the course and aren’t fully satisfied, you can receive a full refund within 14 days after the course concludes, following the completion criteria outlined in our refund policy.
What Experts Say
Willem Toet has an impressive track-record in Formula 1, leading the aerodynamic development at world championship winning teams such as Ferrari and Benetton. His experience at the highest levels of Formula 1 can only be matched by very few people, but it is his engagement with the public and academia which is unique in Formula 1.Â
Aerodynamics is a difficult and non-intuitive subject. Formula One regulations are almost equally as complex and the art of exploiting and exploring the limits of the rules is only known to a few. Willem’s lectures take on the significant task of explaining both and he manages to get across many years of experience and insight in a short, but intense, set of slides and commentary.
There are few truly inspirational lecturers, but I can honestly say that Willem is one of them. I am so pleased he is working with my Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University teaching our Motorsport Engineering students.
Our students loved the presentation and had an incredible opportunity to make questions to one of the best aerodynamicists in the motorsport industry. I would like to emphasise once more Willem’s communication skills and his ability to inspire the students, not to mention his extensive knowledge about racing cars and the motorsport world.Â
Three decades of expertise distilled into three powerful learning sessions
Meet Your Instructor
Willem Toet
Willem has over 30 years of experience in motorsport aerodynamics at some of Formula 1’s most successful teams.
- 2017–Present: University of Bolton – Professor (Part-Time)
- 2015–2021: Sauber Technologies AG – Aerodynamics Consultant
- 2011–2015: Sauber Motorsport AG – Head of Aerodynamics
- 2010–2011: RML Group Ltd – Managing Director
- 2006–2010: BMW Sauber F1 Team – Head of Aerodynamics
- 1999–2005: BAR Honda – Senior Aerodynamicist
- 1995–1999: Ferrari – Head of Aerodynamics
- 1992–1995: Benetton F1 – Head of Aerodynamics
- 1991: Reynard F1 – Director of Aerodynamics
- 1985–1990: Benetton F1 – Engineer
Known for his passion and enthusiasm, Willem has spent nearly a decade lecturing and sharing his knowledge with thousands of students worldwide.
His teaching style combines technical depth with practical insights, making him the most engaging educator in motorsport aerodynamics.
His career dedication and enthusiasm for the field inspire aspiring engineers to pursue excellence in F1 and beyond.
Take a look at some of Willem’s articles on his LinkedIn profile.
See More of Willem
Course Schedule
Session 1
Foundational Knowledge and Theoretical Concepts
Saturday 21st December, 2024
4:00pm – 7:45 pm GMT / 11:00 am – 2:45 pm ET / 8:00 am – 11:45 am PT
Session 2
Practical Applications and Testing Methods
Saturday 4th January, 2025
4:00pm – 7:45 pm GMT / 11:00 am – 2:45 pm ET / 8:00 am – 11:45 am PT
Session 3
Real-World Insights and Advanced Analysis
Saturday 11th January, 2025
4:00pm – 7:45 pm GMT / 11:00 am – 2:45 pm ET / 8:00 am – 11:45 am PT
Course Syllabus
Session 1: Foundational Knowledge and Theoretical Concepts
Begin your journey with a 3-hour and 45-minute interactive, live-taught sessions, where you’ll build a robust foundation in aerodynamics.
Learn from industry expert Willem Toet as he breaks down complex theories into accessible explanations, covering everything from air properties to essential aerodynamic devices—all without the jargon.
What you’ll cover in Session 1:
- Who are Scott and Willem – a brief introduction
- Description of the course content and overall aims of the course
- The properties and behaviour of air (pressure, molecular motion, density, temperature, compressibility, boundary layers)
- Main simplified formulae for calculations (e.g., Bernoulli equation, Reynolds numbers)
- Jargon buster with a glossary of terms
- Main aerodynamic devices and their functions (wings, floor with diffuser, vortices, ground effect, cooling ducts)
- Live Q&A for additional clarity and discussion
Session 2: Practical Applications and Testing Methods
Experience practical insights with another 3-hour and 45-minute live session focusing on real-world applications of aerodynamics.
Explore the process of wind tunnel testing, CFD analysis, and flow visualisation, and tackle challenges like correlation issues. Gain knowledge that bridges theory and practice to enhance your understanding of modern testing methods in motorsport.
What you’ll cover:
- Wind tunnels and track testing
- How wind tunnel testing is conducted for motorsport (from basic to F1 level)
- Using the strengths of CFD to understand airflow with post-processing
- Visualising flow in the real world (flow vis, wool tufts)
- Correlation challenges and why teams struggle with them
- Explanations on adding new devices to a car and maximising their success
- Live Q&A for additional clarity and discussion
Session 3: Real-World Insights and Advanced Analysis
The final 3-hour and 45-minute interactive session which goes beyond the basics, providing real-world examples and expert stories.
Learn how aerodynamics influences lap times, optimise aero balance using aero maps, and uncover advanced topics like DRS effects and problem-solving strategies. Benefit from live Q&As to deepen your expertise and gain insider knowledge.
What you’ll cover:
- How much aerodynamics affects lap time and specific points on a lap
- Writing a report about aero tests with sample methods
- Limitations and strengths of different simulations
- Aero maps and adapting suspension settings for optimal aero balance
- Fun stories and unique insights (e.g., drag increase during stall and DRS effect)
- Live Q&A for additional clarity and discussion
What Students Say
Willem Toet has a remarkable ability to compress complex concepts in aerodynamics and make them feel accessible and understandable.
His lectures not only expanded my technical knowledge but also left me feeling more confident and motivated to improve my skills even currently in my professional career.
Willem Toet is a master at making highly technical concepts simple to understand.
Whether you’re a seasoned aerodynamicist or simply curious about the science of making cars go faster around a track, you’ll love the way Willem’s passion for the subject shines through. Highly recommend getting your hands on anything he puts out to the world!
Learning from Willem is a highlight for anyone with motorsport or aerodynamic interests.
His content was not only incredibly interesting as he draws on his many experiences in the industry, but he delivers it in a way that is engaging and fun.
The depth of knowledge, the passion of delivering his message are so very good.
You attend a Willem H Toet lecture, and you come away enthused. All be it if you are a secondary school student, a member of a professional level motorsport team, a Formula Student team member, or a hobby racer doing your own thing in motorsport or teaching STEM subjects at a school.
Apply to Join Our Upcoming Cohort
Upcoming
Cohort 1 SOLD OUT
Dates
Dec 21, Jan 4 & Jan 11
Total Cost (all 3 sessions)
£299
Learning is Better in Cohorts
Interactive learning, not passive watching
This course is all about real-time engagement. Live sessions mean you’re not just passively watching but actively participating. The interactive format allows for immediate feedback, questions, and discussion, making your learning experience more effective and dynamic.
Accountability and real-time feedback
In a live setting, you stay accountable to both the instructor and your peers. With direct feedback on your progress and the encouragement to share insights with others, you’re supported at every step, ensuring you absorb and apply what you learn effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this course about?
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of aerodynamics, focusing on real-world applications in Formula 1. Led by a seasoned F1 expert, it covers essential aero principles through live sessions and case studies to build a foundational understanding of the field.
Who is this course for?
It’s ideal for students, undergraduates, early-career engineers, and racing enthusiasts wanting a solid foundation in aerodynamics.
How long does the course take?
The course runs over three Saturdays, with each session lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes. You’ll need to be online and actively participating for each live session to get the full benefit.
Will the course be live?
Yes, all sessions are live to create a more interactive learning experience. You’ll have the chance to ask questions. Willem Toet and Scott Mansell will be present on all sessions.Â
What time of day will the sessions be?
Sessions will be held on Saturdays at 4:00 PM UK time, as it works well across multiple time zones.
For participants in the US, this will be 11:00 AM Eastern Time and 8:00 AM Pacific Time, allowing everyone to join live comfortably.
How much does the course cost?
The course fee is £299. If you’re joining from the UK, VAT will be added at checkout, but participants outside the UK won’t have additional tax charges.