It is a dream job to be an F1 mechanic.Being the driver may be the dream, but that is not why you are here.We have put together answers to some of the most common questions about becoming an F1 mechanic.
Step 1: A high school degree is the equivalent.
This level of formal education is what most mechanics enter the field with.If you want to get into an F1 career, you should keep your head down and get good grades in your secondary school.A university degree is not required to be an F1 mechanic.It can be hard to get a job with no prior education if you don't have experience.
Step 2: There are classes in mathematics, computers, automotive repair, and electronics.
If these subjects are offered at your school, you should choose elective classes.Anything technical can help you get into a career as a motorsport mechanic working on high- performance cars, which have many electrical components and high tech mechanical parts.There are computer science clubs and mathematics clubs that you could join.Learning another language like Italian or German would be beneficial.These skills are good for your resume because F1 is a very international sport.
Step 3: Motor vehicle engineering courses are a plus.
A mix of hands-on and classroom education is provided by these courses.In a future job as an F1 mechanic, you can learn more technical skills.It is possible to land your first job in auto mechanics if you have additional education on your resume.You can take A-level courses in these subjects if you live in the UK.You can take a post-high school automotive mechanic certification course if you live in the USA or Canada.The EPA exam must be passed by mechanics at the end of their courses.They can look good on a resume if they get certified by the National Institute of automotive Service excellence.
Step 4: You should be interested in racing.
The sport of F1 is going to be a huge part of your life if you make it to the top.Make sure you love racing so that you can devote a large portion of your time and life to it.You are less likely to burn out when you face the pressures of the job.Being an F1 mechanic doesn't mean you get to watch all the races.Passion about all aspects of the sport is important because you are going to be working both on and off the track.
Step 5: It is important that you are able to work quickly and under pressure.
You need to be able to change parts and fix problems in a matter of minutes to get your driver and their car back on the track.Not only is it important for winning races, but it is a matter of safety as well. Being an F1 mechanic is more high-speed and high pressure than working on someone's car at a neighborhood auto shop.If you crack under the pressure of working quickly, you could make mistakes that endanger the driver.
Step 6: Good team skills and a team player mindset are required.
The driver might get most of the attention when your team wins a race, but they couldn't win races without a team of dedicated mechanics.It is important that you are able to communicate effectively and work well with others as part of a team working towards a common goal.
Step 7: It is possible to offer your services for free.
You could use your mechanic skills at any of the companies that you write to.Explain to them that you want to gain experience and would be happy to work without pay for a period of time.If you take post-secondary courses in motor vehicle engineering or auto mechanics, your educational institution might be able to place you in an internship or apprenticeship.
Step 8: There are jobs with non-F1 racing teams.
Search online for jobs with racing teams in other leagues, like Formula 3, Formula 2, and Formula Junior, as well as the different Formula leagues for specific car manufacturer's.If you live near a local race track, you could even try to find a job with a small local team to start.
Step 9: Try to get an apprenticeship.
Check the websites for different F1 racing teams and car manufacturers to see if they have apprenticeship programs.Follow the steps to apply if you look at the application requirements.Try to find an apprenticeship if you don't find one right away.General requirements for apprenticeships include passing grades in your high school or equivalent education, as well as mathematics, English, and science classes.If you land an apprenticeship with an F1 team, you might be able to work your way up the ladder and stay with the team after the program ends.
Step 10: You can apply online for open F1 jobs.
Go to the websites for as many teams and manufacturers as you can find and visit the career page on each site.You should read the job openings and submit an application for any that you are qualified for.There are a variety of jobs with different F1 teams listed on the job listings sites.
Step 11: Ask if you could work for one of the different F1 teams.
You can still try your luck even if you can't find a job.You can find email and physical addresses for many different racing teams by sending letters explaining why you want to work for them and what your experience is.If you get rejected, some teams might be willing to write back and tell you what experience you are missing that they are looking for.You can try to get that experience through another job or a course.
Step 12: Constantly apply and be persistent.
If you don't hear back about applications you've submitted, you should not give up.You can submit online applications for job openings with teams and auto manufacturers.Even if you don't get your dream F1 mechanic job, there are tons of other motorsport leagues that you could have just as much.
Step 13: You will spend a lot of time travelling.
F1 teams travel for up to 250 days a year.You will be away from family, friends, and loved ones and will spend a lot of time in planes and other transportation.Pre-season testing starts in February and the last race is at the end of November.Being passionate about the sport comes in handy here.You will be doing something you love even though the job demands a lot of time.
Step 14: You might work long hours and not get enough sleep.
The mechanics leave their hotel at 6:30 or 7:30 AM to get to the track.Sometimes you can work until late at night, then do it all over again the next day.The good thing is that you know the schedule for the whole year right away so you can plan trips home and time off.In December and August you get long breaks.
Step 15: It is loud!
You spend a lot of time in shops and near race tracks with the constant noise of power tools and fast cars.If you work on the job, you should wear ear protection to prevent hearing problems later in life.
Step 16: The average salary is determined by position and experience.
You can expect a starting annual salary of $30,000.Pit crew chiefs can make up to $1 million a year.A median annual salary for mechanics is around $40,000USD.It is nice to know that if you are laid off from your job as an F1 mechanic, you will be able to find a decent paying mechanic job somewhere else.