Driver Development Engineer

At McLaren Racing, we’re not just here to try to take the chequered flag. We’re here to excite our fans, inspire our people and deliver for our partners. And we’re also committed to evolving our sport, our industry, and our technology, too. 

Developing drivers is a core part of our mission, through our racing series and our Driver Development Programme, with which we aim to support and develop the best drivers through their careers from karting and junior formulae to WEC, IndyCar and F1. 

Purpose of the Role 

As an integral part of the Driver Development Programme (“DDP”) this role will closely support our drivers as they develop their skills and performance with us across all levels of racing and phases in their career. 

A significant aspect of this will be through the exploitation of our high performance Driver In the Loop (DiL) Simulators by leading simulator activities and training. 

Additionally, close interaction with the drivers and their teams both during and around race weekends in support of their development goals is to be expected. 

Role Dimensions 

• The primary reporting line for this role for objective setting and guidance will be to the McLaren Racing Head of Driver Development Programme, whilst it will be ‘housed’ for day-to-day reporting to the TPC Events Director within the F1 Heritage & TPC team (who collaborate closely with the DDP), within the McLaren Technology Centre. 

• The role will involve significant collaboration and co-ordination with DDP, TPC and Heritage teams. 

• The role will act as lead for the McLaren DDP simulator programme, reporting to the McLaren Racing Head of Driver Development Programme to ensure that the simulator development sessions fit into the overall strategy and needs for each driver. 

• The approach to driver development using the simulator will be informed by the principles that we apply across all McLaren Racing series, particularly F1. 

• The role will act to support the DDP in supporting, analysing and reporting on the driver’s performances and development more widely throughout their racing activities. 

• Occasional track side attendance as part of our DDP, TPC and Heritage team activities. 

Principal Accountabilities 

• Plan, execute and report development sessions using the DDP DIL Simulator. 

• Work closely with and according to the requirements of the Head of Driver Development Programme to ensure that each development driver’s simulator sessions fit into their overall strategy. 

• Monitor and report long term driver progress to key people within McLaren Racing DDP and TPC/Heritage programmes. 

• Develop standard simulator test planning, execution and reporting techniques, informed by F1 practices. 

• Creating or developing tools and metrics to enhance driver performance analysis. 

• Work with drivers to develop their technical and sporting understanding through different formats and contexts, including delivery of technical education workshops. 

• Liaise with DDP teams to ensure our training and messaging to drivers follows a consistent approach.