F1 Performance Engineer
UK · Europe · USA · Permanent · Competitive salary · Confidential search
In Formula 1 the decisions that matter are made before the car leaves the garage. Once parc fermé closes the setup is fixed, so the work happens earlier: on models, in the simulator and in the data. For 2026 that work has new variables, with active aero modes and a new energy deployment picture to understand and exploit.
Models can forecast and simulate. Knowing when to trust them, and when the driver or the data is telling you something the model has missed, is still an experienced human call. That judgement is what this role is about.
We are talking confidentially with Formula 1 teams in the UK, Europe and the USA who need performance engineers. If that is the work you already do, we would like to talk.
The role in brief
You know the job, so we will keep this short. Depending on the team and the seat, it covers:
Vehicle performance analysis and set up optimisation, at the track and back at the factory
Lap time simulation, vehicle models and correlation of simulation to track
Driver in the loop simulator preparation and running
Tyre performance, energy management and the 2026 aero and power unit trade offs
Working between aero, vehicle dynamics, race engineering and strategy to turn data into decisions
Key requirements
Formula 1 or top level motorsport performance experience. F1 race team or power unit experience is the priority. Strong WEC hypercar, Formula E or senior single seater backgrounds will be considered.
Vehicle dynamics fundamentals. A sound grasp of tyres, suspension, aero balance and how they interact on the car.
Simulation and data tools. Lap time simulation, vehicle modelling and data analysis, with coding in Python, MATLAB or similar.
Judgement under pressure. Clear recommendations on limited running and tight timelines, and the confidence to challenge a model when the evidence says so.
Communication. Able to talk to drivers, race engineers and designers in their own language.
Education. A degree in mechanical, automotive or aeronautical engineering, physics or mathematics, or equivalent experience. A Master's or PhD is common but not essential.
Mobility. Trackside roles involve international travel through the season. Factory based roles are also available.
How the process works
A confidential first conversation
About your experience, what you want next and what would genuinely make a move worthwhile. Your current employer is never contacted, and nothing goes to a team without your agreement.
An honest read of the market
Where you sit, which programmes are building and what each opportunity really offers. Sometimes the honest answer is that your current role is still the right one. That is useful to know too.
A targeted introduction
We brief the team on you and brief you on the team: the people, the programme and what success looks like in the first season.
Interviews prepared and managed
Technical interviews and assessments explained in advance, with feedback after every stage.
Offer, notice and start date
We understand F1 notice periods and gardening leave and plan around them, from offer and resignation through to your first day.
We work F1 hours, not nine to five. Evenings, weekends or the Monday after a race, we talk when you can.
Start a confidential conversation
Book a confidential career review with Scarlett
Talk to Nichola Hedges about the role
Call +44 (0) 1277 354469 or email recruit@tiroassociates.com
Read the background: Judging the model, not just the data (link to the performance engineering article).
Tiro Associates. Specialist F1 and motorsport engineering headhunters, founded in 2000, acting as an employment agency for permanent roles. Technical expertise, humanised approach.
