How to become an F1 driver
One of the most exciting and competitive jobs in Formula 1 is the person in the car: the driver.
Only 20 people in the world can be Formula 1 drivers. It takes a long time to earn that place, requiring dedication, talent, money and a good bit of luck.
Dedication
The greatest Formula 1 drivers all started their careers at a young age; normally around 6 or 7 years old.
Drivers often start in Kart Racing or Karting. As a kart racer you can either drive your own kart independently or a team's kart. You can then compete in regional championships and work your way through the rankings.
Talented drivers are recruited by scouts into Formula 4, 3 and 2, which are Formula 1 feeder series. Drivers are expected to perform well in these series to eventually secure a seat in Formula 1.
The minimum age for a Formula 1 driver is 18. That means it takes over 10 years to become an F1 driver, as most drivers start in motorsport at about 6 years old.
Talent
Driving in Formula 1 means you are one of the best drivers in the world. It's incredibly competitive, and F1 drivers must earn a seat. You need to win races consistently to move up through the Formula 1 feeder series.
The higher you move up through the series, the harder things get. As you get better, so will your competitors, meaning those wins become more and more difficult. Only the best of the best will be able to become a Formula 1 driver.
Money
The unfortunate reality of Formula 1 is that it costs a lot of money to take part in as a driver.
Competing in karting championships can cost over £10,000 a year – and that’s just to get started in the sport.
Generally, most drivers in Formula 1 come from a privileged background. They have enough money to make their way through karting and other feeder series, or sometimes to buy their F1 seat outright.
This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get into the sport. Lewis Hamilton’s dad, Anthony, worked many jobs to support his son’s career. Lewis came from a working-class background and overcame financial and societal challenges to become one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers of all time.
The reality is that becoming an F1 driver is very difficult and requires a lot of sacrifices.
The good news is that there are plenty of other careers available in Formula 1, meaning you can still live your F1 dream.
Careers in Formula 1
If you love Formula 1 and want to get involved, then there are plenty of options outside of driving. Formula 1 is a huge industry and a growing market, with new opportunities appearing every day.
If you're not sure where to get started in Formula 1, then we recommend:
- Identifying your passion. Figure out your what your talents are and how you can use them to contribute to a winning team.
- Exploring different roles. Check out the various roles available within the industry. We have a good number of examples below.
- Gaining industry experience. Get some practical experience through internships or placements. You can gain this experience as industry placement on our courses.
- Learning from others. Read about the experiences of professionals already working in Formula 1.
Here at the University of Central Lancashire, we offer a variety of courses that will help you pursue a career in Formula 1.
