MY UNTOLD STORY: Inspirational people describe their journeys to working in F1

Formula 1 is a sport made up of countless people working in a variety of roles and from many different backgrounds, all of whom contribute to delivering the spectacle to the fans.

Each individual has their own story about how they got to where they are today and, in the latest instalment of the My Untold Story series, we sit down with two inspiring people to discuss their fascinating journeys to this point.

Their stories also highlight the importance of diversity in the sport, and how having a range of personalities in a team can have such a positive impact.

Craig Lawson – Head of Project Engineering at Red Bull

Red Bull Brand Ambassador Callum Nicholas introduces us to Craig Lawson, who explains his path to becoming Head of Project Engineering at the Milton Keynes-based outfit and reflects on some of the team’s achievements along the way, including the squad’s first championship-winning era in the early 2010s.

Craig goes on to share his experience of neurodiversity, a journey that he feels has helped him to understand himself a little better. He explains why he believes that Formula 1 can be a “brilliant environment” for people who are neurodivergent, and how having different personalities in a team can be a strong asset.

Vaishnavi Nambiar – Test and Development Engineer at Mercedes

At Mercedes’ base in Brackley, Third Driver Fred Vesti meets Vaishnavi Nambiar, a Test and Development Engineer for the squad. Vaishnavi details what her role involves, the route she took to her position and what it is like to work for the Silver Arrows.

Reflecting on her upbringing in Mumbai, Vaishnavi explains how different things felt when she first moved to the United Kingdom and the challenges of being away from family and friends. She also reveals the advice that she would give to her younger self, and how she hopes to inspire others to get involved in motorsport.