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How to Get a Motorsport Job

Hi, my name is Scott, Founder of Driver61. We are passionate about motorsport and want to help as many people as possible get involved in this exciting industry. 

That’s why we created a comprehensive guide to help you secure a job in motorsports. Whether you’re still in school or looking for a career change, our guide will provide you with valuable insights on what you need to do to land a job in this field. So, read on to learn more about the fascinating world of motorsport jobs!

Contents

For ease of use, we’ve split this guide up by job roles; just click on the section to jump to it.

Here’s how to:

Get a Motorsport Design Engineer Job

Are you up for the challenge of designing a winning racing car? Imagine creating a race car that flawlessly races around the track, leading the pack to victory. This is the exciting world of a Motorsport Design Engineer.

This career is not for the faint-hearted, but it rewards those with a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of mechanics, mathematics, and physics. It’s about devising solutions under tight constraints and pushing the boundaries of speed and efficiency.

What Does a Motorsport Design Engineer Do?

You will most likely have a specific department you will work in – whether that be gearbox, engine, aero or suspension and will be responsible for designing parts using CAD systems to fit onto the car and perform its task as well as possible. 

You will need to specify what these parts are made from and their tolerances – generally, the part needs to be as lightweight as possible while squeezing the highest performance from the car and also lasting a specified period and, importantly, manufactured within a set budget. Remember – if you’re designing a suspension system to take a racing driver around a corner at 150 mph, you must get it right! 

Your job is to make the car as quick as possible while still being reliable and adhering to strict rules.  

Characteristics required for a Motorsport Design Engineer career:

  • Someone with a passion for motorsport
  • Strong analytical and mathematical skills
  • You need to be competitive and have the will to win
  • Motorsport is very much a team sport, you need to be a team player
  • Be able to communicate complex ideas
  • Solve complicated problems under pressure

What qualifications are essential?

GCSEs: Many universities don’t specify which GCSEs you require, however, unless you study Maths and Physics as a bare minimum, being a Motorsport Design Engineer will likely be more challenging.

A levels: This is where universities will start being much more picky. We’ve referenced Bristol University’s Mechanical Engineering degree, which is considered one of the best in the country. 

Here,  you will need the following grades: A*AA – this includes an A*A in any of the following: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths, Computer Science or Electronics.

If you want to be part of the cutting-edge departments that design aerodynamics, then a degree in Aeronautical engineering or aerospace engineering is also very much as relevant. 

For example, to gain entry to Nottingham University’s degree in Aerospace engineering, you also need: A*AA – Maths and either Physics (preferred) or Further Maths as a 2nd subject, or Maths with any two of the following: Chemistry, Biology, Design, Economics, Psychology, Electronics, Computer Science.

It is possible to become a design engineer without a degree but you’ll need plenty of experience. However, it’s unlikely that you would get any experience without a degree, so it’s a chicken-and-egg situation. A degree is by far your best chance of having the career you want as a Motorsport Design Engineer.

University Degrees: We recommend you take a look at the link below to the complete university guide on mechanical engineering – with all the top courses’ stats, information, and entry requirements: The complete university guide – mechanical engineering.

What experience do you need to a design engineer job?

You’ve got your required A Levels and Degree, well done! What next? Do race teams recruit straight from University, or will you be better off finding somewhere else to ply and learn my trade before making the step? 

The top teams will cherry-pick the top graduates from the top universities. This is a dream scenario, but you must prepare yourself for the fact that this is unlikely to happen. 

Be prepared to apply for all sorts of Design Engineer jobs within motorsport at the end of your degree but do try to go straight into motorsport.

Internships and unpaid work during university holidays are also great ideas. Degree courses with years in industry are also a fantastic way of getting your foot in the door. Many courses offer this, but it is down to you to secure the employment – this is an example of some of the internships that are available.

You will need to send your CV to all the race teams and apply for their schemes online – it’s not easy to secure one, but if you do, it is a great way of getting your foot through the door at an early stage!

Case study: Finn Machfearson – Race Engineer at Hitech GP  

‘I started off like any teenager, eager to work in F1. I contacted every team in F1/GP2(F2)/GP3(F3)/LMP etc for any work experience I could get. 

I picked up a Saturday and school holiday job at DK Engineering, a fantastic Ferrari specialist service and restoration company, effectively cleaning floors and cars. But crucially working in and around those who know cars inside and out. 

I spoke to Sky Sports F1 to see if I could get an insight into F1’s media side and got a two-week placement there through the recorded video I made of myself explaining why I wanted to help them where I could. 

During University, I applied for placements in F1 / Automotive / Aerospace and attained a summer role at Force India (Aston Martin F1) in Aero design. 

The following summer, I attained another placement at KWSP, an engineering consultancy working on a range of tasks from sports engineering Team GB skeleton sleds to startup automotive companies. 

After finishing my degree, I was intrigued by the prospect of working as close to a race track as possible, and hence I approached Hitech GP who are a top team in the lower categories of single-seaters. It stuck, and here I am, four years later.’

Finn has asked us to encourage you to “watch and support F2/F3, it’s a great championship which is growing all the time!” We couldn’t agree more!

motorsport design engineer

What other skills and experiences would be beneficial for pursuing a career as a Motorsport Design Engineer?

To excel in the field of motor racing, it is crucial to possess a vast knowledge of the subject matter. Understanding the technical rules, constraints, and the factors that contribute to making a racing car fast are essential skills to develop. 

Pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering can open doors to various career opportunities in the motorsport industry. However, to stand out in the field, one needs to showcase their passion and knowledge of the sport.

Finn Said: “Don’t give up! I first sent letters to F1 teams, when I was 13! I only got a proper job when I was 23! 10 years later! F1 is so big now, twice the size that it was 15 years ago when I got into it. 

In that sense then, do what you need to, to stand out. and consider beyond F1. F2/F3 are extremely professional, you would be surprised by the level of engineering involved. I made a video CV for example to get into Sky and no one really did this at the time, now it’s probably expected, so think beyond the current norm and get out there. In the engineering/mechanics side. 

Get hands on experience. Go to a local karting track and offer assistance. I cleaned floors for 3 years, just to have the name and experience of being around Ferrari’s and those who know cars. I may not have had a big impact at that company but it bolstered my CV and made me stand out’

Motorsport Design Engineer Potential Salary

  • Graduate Design Engineer: circa £28,000 per year
  • Junior Design Engineer: circa £55,000 a year
  • Senior Design Engineer: circa £100,000 a year
  • Chief Design Engineer: £170,000 plus

    What’s a typical career path for a motorsport design engineer

    GCSEs ⇨ A levels ⇨ Mechanical Engineering Degree ⇨ Entry Level Design Engineer Job / Graduate Scheme ⇨ Design Engineer 

    Get a Motorsport Marketing Job

    So ,you love the idea of working within motorsport but a hands-on role designing or fitting nuts and bolts isn’t your cup of tea. You do have a creative, business driven mind and love racing ? Well, a job in motorsport marketing could be the route for you.

    What does the job involve?

    Marketing is the process of promoting your business through the most efficient channels available to generate sales and grow your business. 

    In motorsport, the same principle applies. It requires significant financial resources to operate and be profitable, which involves marketing the sport to all stakeholders, including sponsors, fans, and even the top drivers.

    For example, in a marketing role for an F1 team, you may create social media content, plan promotional events, and secure sponsors and funding.

    Here are some characteristics of a person who is interested in pursuing a career in marketing within the motorsports industry:

    • Passionate about cars and motorsport
    • Creative and ideas-driven
    • Confident in relaying and executing these ideas to strict deadlines
    • A social person 
    • You will probably have to be flexible in the hours that you are willing to work

    What qualifications are essential to work within marketing in motorsport?

    • GCSEs and A Levels – no subjects are essential
    • A degree is usually a prerequisite for this sort of role, although it doesn’t necessarily need to be in ‘marketing’. This of course, would not harm your chances! Degrees in business, languages and even technical and maths-based degrees are now sought after in marketing due to the data-driven nature of digital marketing
    • We’ve mapped out the most common routes to the position you desire, however, there are always expectations to the rule and everyone’s journey, often to the same please, is usually different.
    • Perseverance – try, try and try again. If you want that motorsport career badly enough you will definitely get there eventually with the correct attitude.
    • During your employment, it would be beneficial to build your qualifications with organisations like the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

    What experience do I need?

    Our suggestion would be to strive to secure a place in a sought-after marketing graduate scheme that is closely related to the motorsport industry. 

    Alternatively, you can pursue an entry-level marketing or marketing assistant position within motorsport if possible. By starting your career in either of these roles, you can gain valuable experience and eventually apply for more specialized positions within the motorsport industry.

    Potential Salary

    • Marketing Manager: £40,000 – £60,000 a year
    • Marketing Director: £70,000 plus

    A typical career path for a marketer in motorsport

    GCSEs ⇨ A levels ⇨ Degree ⇨ Marketing Assistant / Marketing Graduate Scheme ⇨ Marketing Manager

    Get a PR and Media Job in F1 and motorsport

    A lot of people are drawn to media jobs within F1 but there is a whole umbrella of motorsport underneath F1 that has its own media demand. 

    What does a PR and Media job in F1 and motorsport involve?    

    Motorsport needs a link between the teams and outside would – a PR and Media Manager will be this link and control things like press releases, material for media use and being that point of contact between the team and the press.

    Case Study: Damien Meaden – Motorsport Communications, PR and social media specialist: 

    ‘The majority of my time is split between producing our communications output – so press releases, web features, materials for media to use – and being that first point of contact for the press with the team. On event, I manage the drivers’ media schedules, from building the schedule to assisting with each appointment. So you’ll often find me at press conference, media pens, all the fun things!’

    Characteristics of someone who is considering a PR role within motorsports:

    • You love speaking to people
    • Attention to detail – the media and public are a wiley old bunch, people like to ask questions and pick holes in everything you say. The stories you are relaying must be watertight, which brings us on to the next trait;
    • Honesty – say no more
    • Imperviousness – in other words, you need a thick skin!
    • Flexibility – it doesn’t always turn out the way you want – you need to be flexible to the fast changing events around you and adapt quickly to address any prevailing situations.
    • Strong writing and verbal skills –  is an absolute must. You’re communicating a race team’s events and philosophy effectively to the press and public so this goes without saying.

    What qualifications are essential for PR motorsport career?

    • GCSEs and A Levels

    What qualifications are preferred?

    As with many of the jobs on this list, a degree is helpful but by no means essential. This degree could be in a wide range of fields. You wouldn’t go far wrong with a degree in foreign languages, journalism and media. 

    Building up lots of relevant experience is far more important. It would be great if you could become a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) along the way – this is achieved by completing continuing professional development (CPD) courses alongside your employment. Statistics show that PR professionals with this qualification earn higher salaries than those without. 

    What experience do you need for a motorsport PR career?

    Damien Said: I actually started out as a journalist whilst I was sitting my A-Levels. I used to work every evening during the week at the local cinema and spend the money at the weekend on taking myself to BTCC events to learn, meet people and develop my craft. Whilst at university, I transitioned more to the PR/comms side of the industry, first with Formula Renault NEC, then in my final year I was offered a role at British F4. I spent four fantastic years as the Media Manager for F4 and worked in several other great championships alongside – Formula 2, GT World Challenge Europe, GB3, and so on. One more in-house role at Motorsport UK as their Communications Manager, and then I went freelance at the beginning of 2023’

    motorsport media

    What else would be useful for you to do in pursuit of a media / PR job within F1 or Motorsport?

    Your own YouTube channel, podcast and social media pages on the subject would be great, showing that you have the aptitude, knowledge and passion to make this your future career.

    Damien Said: ‘You need to get out there and meet people. Most jobs I’ve had have come about because someone I knew recommended me or put in a good word to get me an interview. If you can get to a few events and let your work/attitude do the talking, you’ll find it becomes a pretty small industry, pretty quickly. And that might mean not covering the championship you want – I know most people come in dreaming of Formula 1, and that’s great. But there’s a whole world of motorsport underneath that, and you’ve a far better chance of “getting in” lower down the ladder, and then working up. And lastly – patience. It almost certainly won’t happen overnight. It took me a couple of years to be paid anything for working in motorsport, and another two after that to make a full-time career from it, so also be careful you don’t overstretch yourself and just take your opportunities when they come along.’

    Potential Salary

    • PR manager: £35,000 – £55,000
    • PR director: £70,000 plus

    A typical career path for a PR manager in motorsport

    • GCSEs ⇨ A levels ⇨ Degree ⇨ PR Assistant / Graduate Scheme ⇨ PR Manager

    Get a Job as a Motorsport Mechanic

    What does a Motorsport Mechanic job involve?

    A mechanic working for a race team is responsible for building up and breaking down the car before and after the race weekend. 

    During the race, they must repair any faults or damages that occur. They also communicate with the drivers and race engineers to ensure that the car is performing to the best of its ability.

    Characteristics of someone who is considering a career as a Motorsport Mechanic:

    • You’ll need the ability to work under pressure
    • A good problem solver
    • Able to follow processes and procedures
    • Fit and physically capable
    • Exemplary timekeeping skills – able to work to strict deadlines
    • Great attention to detail – ‘it will do’ is not good enough!
    • Willing to work unsociable hours and spend time away from home
    • Be a team player with a will to win

    What qualifications are essential to become a motorsport mechanic?

    What experience do you need to become a motosport mechanic?

    You can either land an entry-level position directly after completing your motorsport college education or continue with your apprenticeship. From there, it will be up to you to climb the ladder and work your way up to more senior positions within race teams.

    What else would be useful for you to do in pursuit of a Motorsport Mechanic job

    It’s recommended to add anything that can enhance your CV. You should try to gain experience and connections in the field of motorsport to increase your chances of getting a job, either before or after getting your qualifications. Volunteering at smaller teams that may have limited financial resources is a good option to improve your prospects.

    A typical career path of a Race Car Mechanic:

    GCSEs ⇨ Motorsport College/apprenticeship ⇨ Entry level Race Mechanic ⇨ Race Mechanic

    Become a member of pit crew in f1

    How do I become a member of Pit Crew in Motorsport?

    Do you enjoy working under pressure and being a part of a well-coordinated team? Would changing the tires of Formula One cars like Max Verstappen’s as they race around the world be your dream come true? 

    What does a job as Pit Crew involve?

    As a pit crew member, it’s essential to ensure the race car is in top condition during pit stops. Your responsibility includes changing the tyres, repairing or replacing any damaged bodywork, and refuelling the car if allowed. 

    It’s crucial to work efficiently and communicate effectively with the rest of the team to maintain the car’s performance and safety on the track. Additionally, you must be aware of any race rules and regulations, as well as safety protocols, to ensure a fair and safe race for all participants.

    Characteristics of someone who is considering becoming Pit Crew:

    • You must be comfortable working under high pressure – a mistake could cost the team valuable time, places and money
    • You’ll need to work to strict procedures carefully
    • Have exceptional timekeeping and organisational skills
    • Be flexible and adapt to every changing situation and act
    • Be a team player and have the will to win – you are very important to cog when it comes to whether the team wins or loses
    • Be willing to work unsociable hours, travel and spend large periods away from home 

    What qualifications are essential?

    • GCSEs and a good basis in motorsport like a motorsport college course

    What Experience do you need?

    It is unlikely that you would immediately start working in a race team, specifically changing tires. In smaller teams, this task would be shared with race mechanics, while in larger teams it would be a specialized role. 

    Generally, you would have already performed other hands-on roles within the team or served as a pit crew member for a similar competing team before taking on this responsibility.

    What else would be useful for you to do in pursuit of becoming a member of Pit Crew in Motorsport?

    Excellent relationships in the paddock. Who you know is very important for a position like this.

    A typical career path from a cold start:

    GCSEs ⇨ Motorsport College/apprenticeship ⇨ Entry level race team position ⇨ Specialised in-house training ⇨ Pit crew

    motorsport pit crew

    Get a Job as Garage Technician within Motorpsort

    What does the job involve?

    Case Study: Marcus Smith – Garage Technician Mercedes F1

    ‘A Garage technician, or if you use the old school term, a trucky, looks after everything the car needs but is not involved with a spanner so to speak, so that means tyres, fuel, pit gantry, pit wall etc.’

    Characteristics of someone who is considering a Garage Technician job:

    • Someone with a passion for motorsport
    • A team player
    • Willing to work unsocial hours and travel (the world in some instances)
    • Someone who is highly organised
    • Attention to detail
    • Good with numbers – can you calculate how much fuel the car needs under pressure?
    • Be able to keep a cool head under pressure

    What qualifications are essential to become a garage technician?

    • GCSEs

    What qualifications are preferred to become a garage technician?

    • Motorsport College

    What experience do you need for a career as a garage technician?

    After completing his apprenticeship, Marcus spent 5 years working at FF Corse, a company that specializes in Ferrari track days and racing. He then worked as a Pirelli F1 tyre fitter for 18 months before finally landing a job as a garage technician in F1.

    What else would be useful for you to do in pursuit of a garage technician job in Motorsport?

     

    Marcus said:  Take any experience you can get. Be willing to give time for free and stick at it. I nearly gave up a few times to pursue other careers after 5 years of minimum wage and working more race weekends than I do now in f1. And networking… The cliche of “it’s not what you know but who you know” couldn’t be more true’

    A typical career path for a Garage Technician

    GCSE’s ⇨ Motorsport College ⇨ Entry level position / internship ⇨ Garage Technician

    A typical career path for a Garage technician

    • GCSEs ⇨ Motorsport College ⇨ Garage Technician Assistant ⇨ Garage Technician

    How to Become a Race Engineer

    What does a job as a Race Engineer involve?

    A race engineer is one the most high profile jobs in the race team. Usually, each driver will have a race engineer – it could be seen as the link between the driver and the team. The race engineer will control the direction the team of engineers need to take the car in general using feedback from the driver to do this. During a race weekend the race engineer will the person on the other end of the radio relaying the drivers feedback and concerns to the garage.

    What sort of person does a race engineer job suit?

    • A person with deep mechanical and engineering knowledge
    • A decisive decision maker
    • Someone with great man management skills
    • Someone who can handle high pressure situations
    • You must have a will to win

    What qualifications are essential to become a Race Engineer?

    • GCSEs
    • A Levels
    • University Degree – Mechanical Engineering

    What Experience do you need to become a race engineer?

    To become a race engineer you need extensive experience in and around running a racing car at an event. You will need to make engineering as well as non engineering decisions. It’s likely you will start off as a design engineer or mechanic and work your way up to the position of Race Engineer. As with all these jobs in the list, during the early days any experience is good experience. When you are studying try and obtain short term or voluntary work – this will help you land your first full time position in motorsport where you will be able to build from. 

    A typical career path from a cold start:

    GCSEs ⇨ University Engineering Degree ⇨ Design Engineer ⇨ Race Engineer 

    Potential Salary for a Race Engineer

    • Anything from £40,000 to £200,000 a year depending on level of motorsport

    How to Become a Motorsport Marshal

    What does a job as Motorsport marshal involve?

    Motorsport events would not be possible without the help of race marshals. Marshalling is a volunteer activity carried out by motorsport enthusiasts. 

    Marshals are positioned at different locations around the track and paddock to ensure driver safety. Their primary responsibility is to raise the alarm in case of accidents, wave flags when necessary, and remove cars from the track.

    Characteristics or someone considering having a go at being a Marshal

    • A passion for motorsport. This is essential as this is always nearly a volunteer position.
    • Enjoy helping others
    • Great communication skills
    • Ability to follow procedures
    • Not afraid of long, hard hours
    • Marshalling is hobby based so does have a social aspect between everyone that does it.

    Are any qualifications essential to become a marshal?

    • None

    What qualifications are preferred if you want to be a marshal?

    We recommend you join the British Motorsport Marshalling Club where training is one of the benefits.

    What Experience do you need to try out marshaling?

    None – first-time volunteers are welcome where you will learn and gain more responsibility.

    Where / how would you find a job as a Marshall

    The British Motorsport Marshalling Club is the best resource for training, information, and marshalling positions.

    Get a Job Working in Finance in Motorpsort

    What does a finance job involve?

    As the person in charge of overseeing the finances of the race team, your responsibilities will include a range of tasks such as preparing profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and creating budgets. 

    These financial reports will help in measuring the financial performance of the team and making informed decisions to ensure the team’s financial stability and success.

    Characteristics of someone who is considering a finance role in Motorsport:

    • You have to be very competent with numbers
    • Good attention to detail
    • Ability to follow procedures 
    • You can take the emotion out of it and just consider the numbers
    • You have a very high level of integrity and ethics
    • You’re well organised and efficient

    What qualifications are essential for a finance career?

    • GCSEs
    • A Levels
    • University Degree 
    • To progress to more senior positions, one must become a chartered accountant. This requires gaining experience and passing exams while employed, either through CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) or ACMA (Association of Cost and Management Accountants).

    What experience do you need to work in finance in motorpsort?

    Upon graduating from university, you have a good chance of securing an entry-level position in any industry. However, it is highly recommended that you aim for a position in the motorsport industry or a closely related field. Once you have gained experience in a particular industry, it becomes easier to switch to different roles within the same industry.

    To attain higher level positions in motorsports, experience within a race team is crucial.

    What else would be useful for you to do in pursuit of a finance job in Motorsport?

    In order to work in the motorsports industry, it’s not enough to simply be a good accountant or skilled with numbers. Unlike other businesses, motorsports is a unique industry that requires a thorough understanding of the goals, restrictions, and rules of the organization you want to work for. It’s also important to have a deep knowledge of the sport itself in order to succeed.

    Potential Salaries for a finance motorsport career

     

    • Graduate accountant: £30,000
    • Senior chartered accountant: £45,000 – £65,000
    • Finance Director: £90,000 plus

    Get a Job Working in hospitality in F1

    What does a hospitality job working in F1 and other motorsports involve?

    In the upper echelons of motorsport, such as Formula 1, there is an entire world that revolves around racing. This includes looking after sponsors, special guests, high-paying fans, and the team itself. 

    Your role in hospitality could vary from being a server or chef to a host or organizer. Large temporary structures are often built during race weekends, so this is also a job that needs to be done. Full-time or part-time positions are available in the hospitality industry.

    Characteristics required for a Motorsport Hospitality job

    • Great organisation skills
    • High standards with good attention to detail
    • Good social skills
    • Enjoy talking to people and providing a good service
    • Will need to work long and unsociable hours

    What qualifications are essential?

    • GCSEs

    What qualifications are preferred?

    Having a university degree on your CV would be beneficial for management positions in motorsport hospitality.

    What Experience do you need?

    Our advice would be to begin your career by taking entry-level server jobs after completing your education. Through hard work and dedication, you can gradually move up the ladder. If you hold a relevant degree from a university, you could start as a lower-level hospitality manager and progress from there.

    What else would be useful to do in pursuit of a motorsport hospitality job?

    It is highly recommended that if you aspire to work in any field related to motorsports, you should try to gain some experience as early as possible, regardless of whether it is a paid or unpaid experience. This will significantly help you to network with people who can boost your career and enhance the appeal of your job application.

    Get a Job as a Team Coordinator for a race team

    Do you excel at organising a team? Coordinating travel, lodging, and uniforms for up to 60 members of a race team across the globe is no small feat, but it’s one that the right person would relish.

    What does being a race team coordinator involve?

    Arranging flights, accommodation, procuring and organizing team and driver clothing. Putting together itineraries and making sure everyone is in the right place, at the right time with all the kit they need to do their job!

    Characteristics of someone who is considering a team coordinator role in Motorsport:

    • Great organisational skills
    • Great communication skills
    • Good problem solver

    What qualifications do you need to become a race team coordinator?

    There are no specific formal qualifications for a job like this although degrees are always a very healthy commodity to have on your CV for any top job, although far from mandatory. 

    What Experience do you need to become a Race Team Coordinator?

    Case Study: Teagan Ramsey – Team Coordinator ELMS 

    I worked at Goodwood on the marshal’s team from 16-18. Alongside this, my dad ran a team in the Fun Cup Championship which I went along to helping with hospitality and taking care of the crew & drivers. 

    When I turned 18, I started hosting events at Goodwood, this included test days and corporate days as well as working all major events including Revival and Members Meeting. 

    That year, I was also asked to grid girl in the BTCC which was my first insight into a high profile championship. I did this for 5 years on/off and in multiple championships. This helped a lot with networking within the industry. 

    Whilst at University I had work experience at Williams F1 which was an amazing experience. I learnt a lot and it gave me a real insight into the highest level of motorsport. As well as this, in my second year I worked at Silverstone on the corporate events team helping with corporate tickets and hospitality. 

    I finished University during lockdown so trying to get a job within motorsport was very difficult, due to this I worked in Pandora. In 2021, I reached out to a number of Le Mans teams and was given the opportunity by one team to work with them. This was where my ELMS journey started.

    Potential Salary of a Race Team Coordinator

    • £25,000 – £45,000

     

    Final words on how to get a motorsport job

    We’ve spoken to lots of people who have a career in motorsport and the same things cropped up in all the interviews:

    • When you are starting out, gain any experience you can in the area of motorsport – washing the floors, washing the pots, washing the clothes – anything can get you in around the cars and people running these team.
    • Network, and meet as many people as you can. Ultimately, motorsport is a small world – the saying that ‘it is not what you know, it’s who you know’ is as true in motorsport as it is in any industry
    • We’ve mapped out the most common routes to the position you desire, however, there are always expectations to the rule and everyone’s journey, often to the same please, is usually different.
    • Perseverance – try, try and try again. If you want that motorsport career badly enough you will definitely get there eventually with the correct attitude.

    Thank you to the contributors who allowed us to ask them questions about their careers, below are links to their profiles:

    Damien Meiden – Motorsport communications, PR and social media specialist

    Thomas Hunt – Design and Race Engineer

    Where can i find a job in motorsport?

    • Driver61 now have a job board with curated Motorsport jobs; take a look at Fluid Jobs by Driver61
    • For tips about how to best prepare for a job in motorsport, check out our Motorsport Careers podcast
    • Follow all the teams and relevant companies on social media, in particular LinkedIn
    • Get out there and talk to as many people as possible at events!

    Driver61 Job Seminars

    Starting in February, we are going to be running a number of free seminars by industry professionals concentrating on how to prepare yourself for a career in motorsport and securing that first position.  If you would like access to these, please fill out the form here

     

    Fig 1. Typical flow chart of motorsport careers
    motorsport career paths
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