SINGAPORE:

Living the Formula 1 fantasy isn’t limited to drivers alone, as Singaporeans increasingly seek career opportunities beyond the cockpit. A prime example is Mr. Gautham Ramesh, whose passion for motorsport began at the tender age of 11. Inspired by F1 legends such as Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen, Gautham dreamt of racing but soon realized he didn’t fit the profile, standing at 1.88 meters tall.

Determined to stay in the motorsport realm, Gautham shifted his focus to becoming a race engineer. He immersed himself in motorsport literature, combing through magazines to understand the industry. This dedication led him to pursue a degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering at the National University of Singapore.

His journey didn’t stop there. Gautham furthered his studies at Imperial College London, strategizing to gain attention from British racing teams, which dominate the F1 landscape. His relentless quest involved sending emails to every F1 team and technical director he could find. The effort paid off when he completed a thesis project with Williams Racing, landing a position as a junior aerodynamicist with the now-defunct Marussia team. His career subsequently spanned four F1 teams, including Lotus, now known as Alpine, and Toro Rosso.

In 2017, Gautham returned to Singapore, believing he had bid farewell to his racing career. However, when Williams presented a remote job opportunity, he seized the chance. Over the past three years, he has thrived as a computational fluid dynamics methodology engineer, making significant contributions by modeling airflow over racing cars, a vital aspect for improving speed and performance.

F1 ISN’T JUST FOR DRIVERS

Not only Gautham, but a wave of Singaporean racing enthusiasts is also exploring non-driving roles in motorsport. For instance, undergraduate Heng Yi-Hsin recently secured an internship with Red Bull Racing in a relations and events role. Engaging deeply in the world of F1, she participated in promotional video pitches and presentations to land her spot alongside a friend who took up a hospitality internship with the same team.

Their internships offered a remarkable two-month experience in European cities, including Prague, where they witnessed the racing action firsthand. Heng shared, “The extent of resources available to turn ideas into reality was astounding. I never dared to dream of such opportunities before, but now I believe it’s possible.”

Heng emphasized that F1 is about much more than the drivers, revealing how various sectors—like marketing and media—play crucial roles behind the scenes. Gautham echoed this sentiment, noting the extensive technology transfer from F1 to fields like healthcare and automotive, stating, “If technology excites you, F1 provides immense exposure.”

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

Recognizing the potential to nurture young talent, F1 is making strides to engage younger audiences. Recently, the F1 in Schools program was introduced to 15 schools in Singapore, featuring exhibitions, interactive displays, and talks that highlight technological advancements in racing. This initiative aims to provide students with insights into various roles within F1 and its impact on Singapore’s economy.

A student expressed newfound motivation, saying, “It made me realize how attainable a career in F1 could be.” Teachers also assert that such exposure could guide students in making informed decisions regarding higher education in STEM fields and beyond.

As the F1 Singapore Grand Prix is set to take place from September 20 to 22 at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit, this surge in interest highlights that the adrenaline-fueled excitement of F1 transcends the racetrack, sparking careers across various sectors in the fast-paced world of motorsport.

Catch the exhilarating action of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 on Channel 5 and mewatch! Don’t miss out—this thrilling spectacle promises to be an unforgettable experience!