Would you work in F1?
Discussion
LivewareProblem said:
Its a senior engineering role but I've not actually seen any paperwork yet, its being sent to me this week apparently after it goes through Christian.
So until I get anything in writing its all academic really.
Good luck with this: I was sniffing around tag McLaren 10 years ago and they were paying 10-20% below market rate for software guys. I didn't get the job and making a lot more money working in finance. So until I get anything in writing its all academic really.
dlockhart said:
Good luck with this: I was sniffing around tag McLaren 10 years ago and they were paying 10-20% below market rate for software guys. I didn't get the job and making a lot more money working in finance.
McLaren do seem to pay a fair bit less than the other teams, in my job role they pay a basic salary of 12-18 grand less than the leading teams and rely on the prestige of working there to attract staff. Considering its in one of the most expensive places to live in the country I don't know how that makes sense. Interesting thread. I'm an engineer at an OEM currently and have been toying with the idea of moving across to F1 recently, but this thread combined with guys I know who've worked in the industry are making me consider whether it's a good idea or not particularly as I have a young daughter now.
I suspect even if I did go for the job advertised they'd struggle to get close to how well OEM pays and OEM doesn't require working 25/8 for no extra money. It's a tough decision as I'd love to work in the sport one day.
I suspect even if I did go for the job advertised they'd struggle to get close to how well OEM pays and OEM doesn't require working 25/8 for no extra money. It's a tough decision as I'd love to work in the sport one day.
I worked as a gopher for a Formula Opel team, contesting what was then the Euroseries. I got to travel, see a few races, work many long nights, do tedious jobs, deal with many many arsoles and earn a mediocre wage. Bottom line is a) it'll depend on what job you do and b) working in motorsport just isn't as glamorous as many folk think it will be.
Cyder said:
Interesting thread. I'm an engineer at an OEM currently and have been toying with the idea of moving across to F1 recently, but this thread combined with guys I know who've worked in the industry are making me consider whether it's a good idea or not particularly as I have a young daughter now.
I suspect even if I did go for the job advertised they'd struggle to get close to how well OEM pays and OEM doesn't require working 25/8 for no extra money. It's a tough decision as I'd love to work in the sport one day.
I don't know what your role involves specifically, but the hours aren't always terrible. Obviously the race team can be very busy/travelling, and the designers might work overtime if there's a big update needed for the car or whatever, but areas like machining, pattern making, composites, stores, electronics etc are usually set shifts, with sensible overtime scheduled in advance during the busy period. I suspect even if I did go for the job advertised they'd struggle to get close to how well OEM pays and OEM doesn't require working 25/8 for no extra money. It's a tough decision as I'd love to work in the sport one day.
That's not to say you wouldn't have to do more if needed though. In the summer it's generally not that busy and its a great time to take holidays and have plenty of time off.
Last year I only had two occasions where i was asked very nicely to come in all weekend instead of given the option - and im a contractor, perm staff would get days in lieu etc for that. Personally I've worked less hours and made more money between 2 F1 teams than I did elsewhere, it might be the same for you, or it might not I suppose!
Edited by CX53 on Saturday 27th February 08:30
REALIST123 said:
Who do? Where?
Must let my son know, he's just coming up to 10 years with the same F1 team, though it's had three different names.
My neighbour has been at the same team quite a bit longer than that, but that doesn't mean they aren't on short contracts (although I don't know, which is why I asked the question). They must have some sort of limited time contract given he knows that both he and those around him have to call it a day in their mid-40s...as they can't just sack people for being 'old'.Must let my son know, he's just coming up to 10 years with the same F1 team, though it's had three different names.
ukaskew said:
Interesting comment from my neighbour the other day...
Once I hit 45 I'm out a job.
How is that enforced, exactly? Are F1 staff on rolling 1 year contracts?
I better start looking for a new job as I only have 3 years to go. Once I hit 45 I'm out a job.
How is that enforced, exactly? Are F1 staff on rolling 1 year contracts?
No idea what team that is but I work with loads of people over 45.
Composite Guru said:
ukaskew said:
Interesting comment from my neighbour the other day...
Once I hit 45 I'm out a job.
How is that enforced, exactly? Are F1 staff on rolling 1 year contracts?
I better start looking for a new job as I only have 3 years to go. Once I hit 45 I'm out a job.
How is that enforced, exactly? Are F1 staff on rolling 1 year contracts?
No idea what team that is but I work with loads of people over 45.
ukaskew said:
REALIST123 said:
Who do? Where?
Must let my son know, he's just coming up to 10 years with the same F1 team, though it's had three different names.
My neighbour has been at the same team quite a bit longer than that, but that doesn't mean they aren't on short contracts (although I don't know, which is why I asked the question). They must have some sort of limited time contract given he knows that both he and those around him have to call it a day in their mid-40s...as they can't just sack people for being 'old'.Must let my son know, he's just coming up to 10 years with the same F1 team, though it's had three different names.
And there are lots of people way older than 45 in F1 teams.
ukaskew said:
I'm just repeating what he said, I've known him all my life so he has no reason to make stuff up. He's very much at the sharp end of things and at every race. Thinking about it, you don't see many/any 'old' guys busy in the garage at an F1 race.
No, but there's plenty of the once younger guys working back at the factories, having had enough of life on the road.
Having said that, you've got the likes of Ron Meadows, to name but one. No sign of him leaving, or even opting for an easier life.
Working in F1 requires a similar mindset to my other half who's a singer - yes she might/could/has the ability to make 30 grand a night at covent garden one day but if you even have to think, for a second, about whether you really want to do it - forget it. If you want financial security - forget it. If you want to feel adequately/proportionately fiscally rewarded for all the hard work you've done - forget it - that one really is a one way ticket to depressionville.
It needs a calling to which all other considerations are secondary, the question isn't "shall I work in F1" - the question is "How do I get to work in F1"
Maybe when I was a teenager and not a cynical old t
t I could have been tempted by the dream. The OH's been musical since she could walk so has followed that path/dream.
It needs a calling to which all other considerations are secondary, the question isn't "shall I work in F1" - the question is "How do I get to work in F1"
Maybe when I was a teenager and not a cynical old t
t I could have been tempted by the dream. The OH's been musical since she could walk so has followed that path/dream.Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff