Can you tell us about your journey into motorsport and engineering? What inspired you to pursue both fields?

My journey in motorsport started when I was younger, at the age of four. My dad used to race and had his own race team, and we have our own airfield back home in Yorkshire. I was born into motorsport and have had a long career of driving—26 years, to be exact. The engineering side is more recent, about a year or so. It came through my work as a driver coach over the past ten or eleven years, working a lot with data and videos. That experience made me want to get more involved in setting up the cars and working closely with drivers. So far, I'm enjoying it.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you started out, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was putting on a different hat—not just thinking as a driver or a coach but trying to piece everything together. Engineering the GB4 cars, which are single seaters, is different from sports cars. Different software, engines, gearboxes—it's a totally different car. So, it's been a lot of continuous learning for me.

You talked about putting different hats on. When you are doing the engineering, what are some of the important skills you need to have?

As an engineer, you're responsible for making sure the car is running properly and that the driver is happy with the setup. This includes everything from tire selection and pressures to understanding the weather forecast. You also need to know the car’s software, the channels on the steering wheel, and the operational temperatures of various components. A good grasp of the engine, gearbox, differential, and suspension is essential to diagnose and fix any issues.

Could you walk us through a typical day in your role as an engineer for a race team?

A typical day starts with sorting out tyres for the first session. This means ensuring any new sets are mounted and the pressures are correct. Then, I go through data with the driver, make sure the car is up to the correct temperatures, and check for leaks or issues. Most of the engineering involves overseeing the mechanics. If they have any issues, they come to me. As long as the mechanics are happy, I can focus on making sure the driver and car setups are optimal.

Is there a checklist you follow every time?

The mechanics have their own specific checklists, and as an engineer, I oversee their work. If a mechanic encounters a problem, they come to me. As long as they’re on track, I handle the more basic tasks of ensuring the driver is happy and making necessary setup changes to the car.

How do you approach problem-solving on race days, especially under high-pressure situations?

It's crucial to have the right people involved. We have two cars, so if one has issues, the other car’s mechanic will help out. Sometimes, I get my hands dirty if needed. For example, at Donnington Park Circuit, we had issues with both cars, and I had to help change some parts. I actually enjoyed it because I don't get to do that often.

What advice would you give to young girls who aspire to become engineers in the motorsport industry?

My biggest advice is to get as much experience as possible. You need to know everything about the car mechanically. Many people start by working for teams for free to gain experience and then work their way up. They might start with basic tasks like cleaning tyres and gradually learn more mechanical knowledge.

Mentoring is important too. I had a girl shadowing me at Donington Park Circuit who wanted to be an engineer, and it was great to show her the ropes.

How important is diversity in engineering teams, and what impact does it have on performance and innovation?

It's important for females to see other females visibly doing the job. There are more females in engineering than most people think, but they don't get shown.

In terms of performance, I don't think there's a difference whether you’re a male or female engineer. However, in my experience, female engineers and drivers often click better. Female engineers tend to have a different, perhaps more understanding, approach, which can be beneficial, especially for young drivers transitioning from karting to cars.

What are other careers available in motorsport if engineering is not for you?

The list is endless. Within engineering, there are many roles. Outside of engineering, you can work as a mechanic, in tire management, marketing, or driver coaching. Understanding data and video analysis is crucial in many of these roles. Even if you’re not an engineer, there are numerous ways to be involved in motorsport.