How to Get a Motorsport Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
The motorsport industry is fast-paced and features a wide variety of exciting opportunities but breaking into this world can be tough. That’s why the National Motorsport Academy (NMA) has partnered with RaceStaff, a leading motorsport recruitment platform, to bring you a step-by-step guide to securing your dream job in motorsport.
Whether you’re aspiring to become an engineer in Formula 1, a data analyst, or even part of a pit crew; this guide will walk you through 5 essential steps that will help you navigate the competitive motorsport job market and accelerate your motorsport career!
1. Choose the Right Path (for you!)
The motorsport industry has many specialisations, and choosing the right path will depend on your interests and strengths. Common roles in motorsport include:
- Motorsport Engineer (Mechanical, Design, Aerodynamics)
- Data Analyst
- Race Engineer
- Pit Crew Technician
- Team Manager
But there are many more options! Spend time researching each role, understanding the skills required, and aligning your career ambitions with your strengths. You don’t HAVE to choose a specific path right away, but having focus will help you.
It’s also important to consider the type of career you want: trackside or factory-based?
- Trackside jobs (e.g., Race Mechanic, Race Engineer, Performance Engineer) mean traveling to races with the team, which can be thrilling but challenging if you have personal commitments.
- Factory-based jobs (e.g., design, composite manufacturing, machining, wind tunnel testing, assembly) are primarily located at team headquarters
It goes without saying, but every single career path requires DEDICATION. You won’t get anywhere without it.
For more information about different career paths, click here for Engineering and here for Business.
2. Obtain the Necessary Qualifications
A strong educational background is essential for many motorsport roles, especially in engineering and technical fields. Most top motorsport teams require at least a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, or Automotive Engineering. Specialised certifications in areas like aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and data analysis can give you a competitive edge.
Consider enrolling in a recognised motorsport or engineering program that offers both academic rigor and practical experience to prepare for your future career.
The National Motorsport Academy offers a range of recognised online degrees; BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering Degree, MSc Advanced Motorsport Engineering & MA Business of Motorsport.
Did you know?
All degrees at the National Motorsport Academy are awarded be De Montfort University (DMU)
3. Get Hands-On Experience - it's essential!
Motorsport is all about practical application. Employers look for candidates who can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Internships, apprenticeships, and volunteering roles within motorsport teams or related industries are invaluable, especially if you’re new to the field. Look for opportunities with:
- Grassroots motorsport events
- Formula Student teams (Note: this is typically only offered to students)
- Karting teams and tracks
- Racing series (even in volunteer roles)
It is likely a lot of this experience will need to be voluntary. Most teams will not pay you much outside of travel and food expenses. However, Real-world experience will not only sharpens your technical skills but also provides you with vital industry contacts.
When it comes to that initial experience, Russell has some excellent advice…
At the NMA, up to 50 students each year gain hands-on experience by joining Team NMA on the GT Cup circuit. Students work on cars like the Lotus Evora GTE or the Mosler MT900R. You can find out more about Team NMA by clicking here.
You can find out more about #TeamNMA by clicking the link below.
4. Build Your Network - Physically & Digitally
Networking is crucial in motorsport. In such a competitive industry, knowing the right people can often make the difference between landing a job and missing out. Motorsport teams frequently rely on trusted connections when hiring, so it’s vital to build a strong network. Put yourself in the right places and connect with the right people, which can open up new career opportunities,
Here’s how you can start building that all-important network:
- Attend industry events; Autosport International & PMW Expo are 2 events that draw huge crowds on a yearly basis.
- Go to both larger and smaller Racing Events; While F1 at Silverstone draws over 300,000 fans, smaller events such as the BTCC can offer much better access to the paddock!
- Attend seminars to meet professionals working in the field.
- Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with engineers, team managers, recruiters and other associated with motorsport.
Also; don’t forget to sign up to industry-specific job boards like RaceStaff to stay informed about job openings. Signing up is free—why wouldn’t you?
Building relationships within the motorsport community can often lead to job opportunities and help you stay updated with industry trends. We like to use our friend Tatum Mandy as a perfect example.
Fresh out of Uni, Tatum started writing about motorsport on her linkedIn profile…
Fast forward a few years, and by building up her linkedin and personal brand, she’s now working full time in motorsport, paid to go to motorsport events, gets to interview F1 Drivers and holds fan events across the UK. She is now recognised as the No.1 motorsport creator on Linkedin! Read about her story by clicking the button below.
5. Tailor each Application with Expert CV Tips
Once you’ve found a job opportunity, tailoring your CV and cover letter is essential. Your CV is often the first impression you make, so it’s crucial to stand out.
Highlight your relevant education, qualifications, practical experience, and any motorsport projects you’ve worked on. Employers in motorsport often look for candidates who demonstrate passion, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
To help you craft the perfect application, NMA and RaceStaff have put together a l Top 10 CV Tips list that will help you create the perfect CV.
Breaking into motorsport requires focus, the right education, and hands-on experience. By identifying your career path, obtaining the necessary qualifications, and networking with industry professionals, you’ll be well on your way to securing your dream role. Whether you aspire to be a race engineer, data analyst, or pit crew member, following these steps will set you on the right track.
Want to accelerate your motorsport career? Learn more about our degrees here.
Online BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering
course – Flexible Study.
Applications from non-NMA students and mature students welcome.
