Jobs in motorsports

While landing a job in Formula 1 is challenging, it's far from impossible. With passion, preparation, and persistence, you can build a successful career in the exciting world of motorsport

Why choose a career in motorsports?

A career in motorsports offers far more than just driving or working on cars - it's a gateway to cutting-edge technology, innovation, and global teamwork. From advanced aerodynamics to data analysis and materials science, the sport pushes the boundaries of engineering and performance.

Beyond the thrill of the sport, motorsports can also be a rewarding career path. Salaries are competitive and often rise quickly as experience builds, with top engineers, technicians, and team staff earning six-figure sums at the highest levels.

Career progression is strong - whether you start as a junior mechanic, graduate engineer, or entry-level marketeer - there are clear pathways to leadership positions, specialist technical roles, or even transitions into related industries like:

• aerospace
• automotive
• clean energy.

Motorsport covers many different types of racing:

• Formula 1 (F1) is the top level, with the fastest cars and biggest global stage.
• Formula 2 is the main step up to F1, giving young drivers and engineers valuable experience.
• Formula E focuses on electric cars, pushing new ideas in batteries and powertrains. Rallying takes racing off-road, testing cars and drivers on tough, changing surfaces.
• Rally driving involves racing across gravel, snow, and tarmac, showing skill and adaptability.
• The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) involves racing with cars similar to the ones you see on the road.

The industry is evolving rapidly, creating exciting opportunities across engineering, technology, and commercial roles. Sustainability and electrification are reshaping the sport, while the rise of e-sports and digital fan engagement is opening doors in:

• event management
• marketing
• media.

By following these trends, you can position yourself as a great candidate for the most in-demand roles and proactively upskill to suit the needs of the motorsport world - while enjoying both professional growth and financial rewards.

Who are the top employers?

The UK is a global leader in motorsports, particularly in the 'Motorsport Valley' region around Oxfordshire and the Midlands. Around 4,300 motorsport-related companies are based there, employing more than 40,000 people.

F1 teams are major employers within motorsports in the UK, with seven of the ten teams on the grid competing in the 2025 season basing their European headquarters in England. Each team employs between 250 and 1,000 staff, amounting to approximately 7,000 jobs.

The broader automotive industry employs approximately 796,000 people across the UK, with over 183,000 in manufacturing roles.

Leading employers include:

• Honda Racing Corporation UK (HRC UK)
• McLaren
• Prodrive
• Red Bull Racing
• Williams
• Wirth Research
• Zytek Automotive.

What graduate roles can I do in motorsports?

Motorsport is much bigger than F1. Globally, the industry supports around 1.5 million paid jobs across racing series, suppliers, and support services. Possible career paths include:

• Aerodynamicist - design systems to improve downforce, reduce drag, and test designs with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnels. Salaries range from £25,000 to £80,000.
• Automotive engineer - work with data, setups, and computer aided design (CAD) software to improve performance. Pay starts at £25,000 to £35,000, rising to £60,000+.
• Data scientist - analyse telemetry to guide performance and strategy. Entry-level pay is £25,000 to £35,000, with potential to exceed £60,000.
• Driver agent - manage drivers' sponsorships, contracts, and branding. Salaries are typically between £25,000 and £35,000.
• Garage technician - prepare and troubleshoot cars in the garage. Pay usually falls between £20,000 and £30,000.
• Marshal - manage track safety and incidents. Often voluntary, but some paid positions exist. Accreditation from Motorsport UK is recommended.
• Mechanic - maintain and repair cars, often under intense time pressure. Entry-level pay is £20,000 to £30,000.
• Pit crew - deliver high-speed service during races. Salaries start at £18,000 to £25,000.
• Procurement manager - source parts and manage supplier contracts. Salaries begin around £40,000 to £50,000.
• Race driver - compete in racing events, provide feedback to engineers, and optimise performance. Most careers begin in karting or driver development.
• Race strategist - use data and competitor monitoring to make tactical decisions. Salaries start at £30,000 to £40,000, rising to £70,000.

Explore our sports job profiles for more information on responsibilities and salaries.

What skills do I need for a career in motorsports?

• Adaptability is important, since the motorsport world is fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring you to stay calm and flexible under pressure.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills are vital, as success depends on close collaboration between engineers, drivers, mechanics, and support staff.
• Willingness to travel extensively is essential, as the job often involves attending races, tests, and global events.

Above all, genuine passion for motorsport is what truly sets you apart in this competitive industry. Showing dedication and drive can make the difference in your career.

What qualifications do I need to work in motorsports?

For careers in engineering, design, or technical development, a strong background in STEM -particularly engineering, mathematics, and physics - is essential. If you wish to specialise early, pursuing a degree such as a BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) or MEng (Master of Engineering) in motorsport engineering provides both theoretical grounding and practical training. Examples include:

• Oxford Brookes University - accredited BEng and MEng pathways. The BEng offers a solid foundation for entry-level work or postgraduate study, while the MEng includes an optional year and full accreditation for advanced qualification.
• The University of Huddersfield - a three-year BEng in Automotive and Motorsport Engineering, with an optional placement year. The programme emphasises hands-on skills such as engine mapping and vehicle analysis.

If you're looking for flexibility, online learning is another option. The National Motorsport Academy offers online BEng and MEng programmes (full-time or part-time), giving students access to industry-standard tools and expert mentoring.

Search for a course in motorsports.

Roles such as data scientist, telemetry engineer, or driver performance analyst demand strong computational and analytical skills. Expertise in programming languages is highly valued, such as:

• MATLAB
• Python
• R.

Degrees in data science, computer science, or mathematics are common entry routes, often boosted by knowledge of motorsport-specific telemetry systems. For strategy-focused roles can you can gain a competitive edge by combining technical data analysis with knowledge of:

• biomechanics
• performance psychology
• sports science.

Becoming a motorsport marshal typically requires vocational training rather than a university degree. Training is usually provided by motorsport governing bodies or specialist organisations. For example:

• Motorsport UK - modular, pathway-based training (online and in-person) leading to international-standard marshalling qualifications.
• Silverstone - classroom and practical training in track safety, incident response, and race-day duties, with progression into specialised roles such as rescue and recovery.
• The British Rally Marshals Club - online interactive sessions that contribute to professional development, complete with certificates of attendance.

Behind the scenes, roles in procurement, logistics, and operations are vital to the success of motorsport teams. Relevant qualifications include degrees in:

• accounting and finance
• business management
• supply chain management.

Many professionals also pursue Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) certification or similar professional credentials, alongside experience in high-performance industries.

The most visible role in motorsport, the driver, is less reliant on formal academic qualifications. Success depends on talent, discipline, and progressive experience. Most professional drivers begin with karting at a young age, before advancing through junior formula series and securing sponsorships that enable entry into elite competitions.

Can I do an apprenticeship in motorsports?

Yes, apprenticeships offer a practical entry point into motorsports and cover a range of areas, from:

• business functions
• performance tuning
• pit crew operations
• race car maintenance
• vehicle engineering.

McLaren runs engineering apprenticeships lasting three to five years, from Level 3 (advanced apprenticeships) to Level 6 (degree apprenticeships). Delivered in partnership with the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Training Centre, applications usually open between January and February for a September start. You can register your interest through McClaren - Early careers.

Red Bull Racing also offer highly competitive apprenticeships in areas such as:

• composition
• electronics
• machine shop
• software development.

They also recruit into support roles. For example, as a data centre support technician apprentice, you'll help keep Red Bull's data centres running. You'll be responsible for:

• cabling
• cooling
• installing IT equipment
• managing power.

It's a great fit if you have practical, hands-on experience in fields like electrics or air conditioning and want to build IT and networking knowledge in a fast-paced motorsport setting. You can search for available apprenticeships at Red Bull Racing - Careers.

Most apprenticeships require at least five GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A to C) including maths, English, and science.

Vacancies are posted directly on each team's careers site, so it's worth checking regularly to catch new opportunities as they go live.

Read our essential guide to apprenticeships.

Are graduate schemes available?

As another popular pathway into the motorsports industry, graduate schemes provide structured development, hands-on experience, and opportunities to specialise or rotate across departments.

Williams Racing, for example, offers two to three-year programmes covering technical areas like:

• aerodynamics
• performance systems
• vehicle dynamics.

Alternatively, you could focus on operations, business services, or technology and innovation.

Applications usually involve online forms, assessments, group exercises, interviews, and visits to team headquarters, giving you insights into the day-to-day life of F1, with application windows typically opening in autumn for a September start.

Entry requirements often include degrees in:

• aerodynamics
• business
• computer science
• engineering
• finance
• physics.

To explore opportunities, check the careers pages of Formula 1 teams directly.

How can I get motorsports work experience?

Breaking into motorsport isn't easy, and landing a F1 job right after university is rare. But don't let that put you off - there are plenty of ways to get your foot in the door and start building the skills employers are looking for. In motorsport, practical work experience is just as important as what you learn in lectures.

Many people begin by volunteering at grassroots level at local karting tracks, amateur racing series, or with small teams. These roles might not pay much - sometimes just covering travel and food costs - but they're a great way to meet people, get experience, and understand how race days actually run.

If you want a more organised way to learn, there are student programmes designed to give you real engineering and teamwork experience:

• Formula Student - Europe's biggest student engineering competition, run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. You'll design, build, and race a small car, developing skills in design, testing, project management, and problem solving - all under real deadlines.
• Girls on Track - a programme that supports girls and women interested in motorsport and STEM. It's free to join their online community, which offers networking, events, advice, and opportunities to connect with people already in the industry.

Where can I find a job in motorsports?

Finding a job in motorsports requires strategy, persistence, and a willingness to start small before moving up.

Many teams and suppliers also list vacancies directly on their websites or on specialised motorsport job boards such as:

• Careersinracing
• Fluidjobs
• Motorsportjobs.com
• RaceStaff.com

While Formula 1 is the dream destination for many, most professionals build their careers by gaining experience with smaller teams, local championships, or companies that supply parts and services to the industry. The key is knowing where to search, actively networking, and positioning yourself where opportunities are most likely to appear.

The best entry points into the industry are often motorsport events, career fairs, and industry expos:

• Autosport International (Birmingham, UK) - One of the largest motorsport exhibitions, where teams, suppliers, and recruiters gather. Many companies use it to showcase their work and even advertise internships or graduate roles.
• Goodwood Festival of Speed and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone - Even as a visitor, you can get close to paddocks, technical displays, and industry professionals - perfect opportunities for striking up conversations and making contacts.
• Professional Motorsport World (PMW) Expo (Cologne, Germany) - Focused on technology and engineering, this event is ideal if you're studying or working in technical fields like design, electronics, or mechanical engineering.

In addition to events, online platforms play a huge role - LinkedIn is one of the most effective tools for connecting with recruiters. Following teams like Aston Martin F1, McLaren, or Williams Racing, engaging with their posts, and reaching out to alumni from your university who already work in the field can all open doors to opportunities.

Discover how to find a job.

How can I make my application successful?

Motorsport is competitive, so your application needs to stand out. Employers not only want to see your grades, but also your passion and the practical experience you've built along the way.

First, you'll need to tailor your CV by:

• Keeping it short and focused - ideally one page.
• Highlighting relevant skills and experiences, especially anything linked to motorsport.
• Including sections for education, work history, and motorsport involvement. For example, you might list race results, competitions like Formula Student, or even link to videos of projects or events you've worked on.

Don't leave out casual work. Part-time local roles or building a car in your spare time show initiative and commitment, qualities that employers value highly.

As an extra tip, include an 'interests' section and link it to the job you're applying for to show your enthusiasm for the industry. For example, you could list:

• engineering clubs
• mechanics
• simulation racing.

It's important to be genuine - teams want people who are both skilled and passionate about motorsport.

What will my career look like in motorsports?

A career in motorsport can take many different directions, depending on what you enjoy and where your skills lie.

For those with a passion for engineering and problem solving, the technical pathway is one of the most rewarding. Many people begin as trainee mechanics, junior race engineers, or systems technicians, gaining hands-on experience with cars, engines, and performance data.

With time and expertise, you'll progress into senior engineering roles, such as race engineer or performance analyst, before moving into leadership positions like:

• chief engineer
• head of vehicle development
• technical director.

If your strengths lie in organisation and leadership, a career in team and operations management may be the best fit. You'll often start out in support roles where you'll learn the fast-paced logistics of race preparation, such as:

• pit crew members
• operations assistants
• team coordinators.

As you build experience, you can step into supervisory positions - overseeing parts of the team or managing race-day operations. Eventually, this path can lead to senior roles where your focus shifts from individual races to the overall performance and strategy of the team in roles like:

• head of motorsport operations
• operations director
• team manager.

Another route is to blend technical expertise with self-employment. You could begin by freelancing as a mechanic or engineer, or becoming a junior or semi-professional driver.

Over time, this can grow into:

• competing as a professional driver with sponsorship support
• running a consultancy
• starting your own business in motorsports maintenance or supply.

At its peak, this path may even lead to owning and managing a racing team or developing innovative products for the industry.

What CPD can I do?

Motorsport is always evolving, so keeping your skills up-to-date is essential. Continuous professional development (CPD) shows employers that you are proactive, motivated, and serious about your career.

Learning industry-standard software like MATLAB and Simulink, or advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) programmes is a big advantage in motorsport engineering.

For example, the Masters-level online CFD course from the University of Aberdeen teaches the principles of fluid dynamics, combining numerical methods with hands-on software experience. The course runs for 13 weeks at a cost of £1,355 and is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students in mechanical engineering.

You could also explore courses in emerging technologies shaping the industry. For example, Cranfield University offers a five-day Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV) Introduction course for £2,600. This course provides an overview of the technologies increasingly used in motorsport, covering:

• batteries
• electric machines
• energy management
• fuel cells
• transmissions
• vehicle dynamics.

CPD isn't just about adding credentials to your CV. It demonstrates to employers that you are committed and ready to tackle the challenges of a competitive field.

Find out more

• Read our overview of the sport sector in the UK.
• Discover what it takes to become a mechanical engineer.