Breaking Barriers in Motorsport Engineering
Motorsport has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I feel incredibly fortunate that it has also become my career. For the past 18 years, I've had the pleasure of lecturing in Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), and what a journey it has been.
During that time, the field has evolved dramatically. We've seen rapid and sometimes groundbreaking technological advances, from significant improvements in simulation techniques to the development of hybrid powertrains. The role of an engineer has expanded and diversified and it's an incredibly exciting time to be part of this industry.
However, one thing that hasn't changed enough is the number of women pursuing careers in motorsport engineering. Over the years, I've seen some incredibly talented young women enrol on our courses, graduate, and go on to have fulfilling careers. But until recently their numbers have been small, about 5 per cent compared to the men. For many years, I was the only woman in our motorsport department. I'm happy to say there are now two of us, but the wider industry still has work to do.
This enduring imbalance raises an important question: why does the stereotype persist, and what can we do to change it?
The old image of engineers covered in grease and wearing overalls is largely outdated. Today, engineering roles are diverse—some still involve hands-on work, which appeals to many, but others focus on software, data analysis, and simulation. You can thrive in this industry and still wear heels and have great nails if you want to! Motorsport is global, offering opportunities to travel, build international careers, and work with world-leading teams. It's an exciting, dynamic field with excellent pay, strong maternity benefits, and a real sense of camaraderie.
You don't even have to be a 'petrol head' to succeed, although an aptitude for maths certainly helps!
I was lucky. I grew up with a rally-mad father who was delighted when I chose motorsport, and an independent, feminist mother who constantly reminded me that 'women can do anything.' Add to that a few brilliant maths teachers at Llangatwg Comprehensive and St John Baptist School, and I had the support I needed to achieve my A-levels and secure a place at university.
Since my school days, the curriculum has shifted to emphasise STEM subjects, helping to address the national skills shortage. But we can do more to support girls early on, encouraging them to stick with maths and science and helping them see engineering as an accessible and exciting career. Fantastic initiatives like F1 in Schools and Green Power are inspiring young people to dream big. Here at UWTSD, we're proud to support Girls on Track, Motorsport UK's programme that introduces school-aged girls to the diverse world of motorsport, from pit stop challenges to media and presenting roles.
Change is happening. Women now make up 10 per cent of the workforce in motorsport and for the first time, we've achieved that same percentage on our motorsport programmes at UWTSD. To celebrate, we're running a series of activities to build a stronger community of female engineers, hoping to create a supportive network that encourages even more girls to consider this fantastic career.
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of our BEng Motorsport Engineering Degree Programme, the first of its kind in the world. Thanks to the vision of former lecturer Roger Dowden who started the course and guidance from the Motorsport Industry Association, our graduates have become valuable assets in motorsport and high-performance automotive industries worldwide. Many have gone on to work for prestigious companies like McLaren, Gordon Murray, Bentley, Ford, Arc, and Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Our close ties with industry advisors ensure that our course remains relevant, practical, and academically rigorous. This blend of theory and real-world application is our unique strength, and it makes our graduates stand out.
I believe we're on the right track. By continuing to challenge stereotypes, build supportive communities, and celebrate the successes of women in motorsport, we can create a future where gender is no barrier to pursuing a thrilling, rewarding engineering career.
And to all the young girls out there dreaming big: believe me when I say that you can do anything.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Max Verstappen reveals why he snubbed Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt's F1 movie
Max Verstappen has revealed the heart-warming reason why he hasn't gone to see the new F1 film which stars Brad Pitt and was produced by Sir Lewis Hamilton. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick 's Joseph Kosinski, F1 tells the story of a veteran racing driver (Pitt) who returns to Formula 1 to drive alongside a hotshot rookie played by Damson Idris. Remarkably, the $300million (£218m) budget movie was filmed in and around the F1 paddock over the past two seasons, with real-life drivers and team members making cameos. Seven-time world champion Hamilton serves as a producer on the film, helping to coach the actors on the track and consulting on the race scenes and dialogue in order to make it as authentic as possible. However, Verstappen, arguably the sport's biggest name and best driver, has tried to keep his involvement in the project to a minimum. The Telegraph report that the four-time world champion, who has been linked with a shock move to Mercedes, declined to film a scene in a nightclub with Pitt. The 2025 grid were invited to a special screening of the film ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, which every driver attended aside from Verstappen and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, with the Dutchman also absent for the official premiere in New York last week. But when asked why he skipped the premieres, the Red Bull driver had a pretty good reason, telling The Sun: 'Being authentic is not something I have to try and focus on. It's just who I am. 'I don't like to be on the red carpet and dress up in a suit. I don't like to interact with people that I don't really know, and have a fake smile and fake chat. It's horrible, I just don't enjoy it. 'I prefer to hang out with my friends and spend time with my little family. I also have a lot of other projects going on outside of F1. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'So any extra work like red carpets is not what I want to do. I'm at a stage of my career where I've achieved so much professionally. 'I'm just focusing outside of it now, like my big passions to make life more enjoyable and not just being performance driven.' Verstappen recently became a father for the first time after his girlfriend Kelly Piquet gave birth to a baby girl, Lily, in May. The 27-year-old is also a 'bonus dad' to Piquet's five-year-old daughter Penelope and admits he is loving life as a dad to two girls. More Trending 'It's super cute. I'm trying to spend as much time making it all work,' he hadded. 'With the nappies, some are more smelly than others!' Verstappen is currently in action at the Austrian Grand Prix where a win could see him close the gap to title rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Mercedes boss reveals talks with Max Verstappen over sensational F1 transfer MORE: Why Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are missing from Austrian Grand Prix practice MORE: Brad Pitt's Los Angeles home 'ransacked' by burglars during F1 promo tour
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
David Croft absent from Austrian GP as Sky Sports F1 commentator replaced
Sky Sports F1 lead commentator David Croft is absent from the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend with viewers set to hear the voice of Crofty's understudy instead Sky Sports viewers will hear a less familiar voice on commentary at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. That is because, for the second time this year, usual lead broadcaster David Croft will not be in attendance at the Formula 1 race. 'Crofty' is part of the furniture at Sky Sports, having served as lead commentator ever since the broadcaster secured the rights to show F1 in the UK and Ireland in 2012. And for many years, he was ever-present at all races while the presenting and punditry team around him would rotate. But these days the F1 calendar is larger than ever with 24 races per season. And so, in 2024, Croft took the decision to miss three races in the season to recharge and spent more time with his family and has repeated that plan this year. He sat out the Emilia Romagna, Austrian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix last season, and chose to skip the same trio of events this term. On each occasion, Harry Benjamin has been called up to fill in and he is behind the microphone again for this weekend's race in Spielberg. Benjamin is less experienced in motorsport broadcasting but has been covering F1 for BBC Radio 5 Live since 2022. The year before, he was hired as the lead presenter for F1's support series including Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Supercup. He debuted for Sky's F1 coverage at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix as they put on an alternative, kid-friendly broadcast of that event, in partnership with Formula One Management. Croft was still commentating on the main feed on that occasion, alongside long-time partner Martin Brundle. But it was when Croft opted against a trip to Italy for the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that Benjamin received his first call-up to commentate on Sky's main coverage. He returned for the Austria and Azerbaijan races that year and is set to complete the same trio this term. That means this is Benjamin's second appearance of the year on the Sky feed, having already appeared at the Imola race in May. He is likely to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ins September. Croft said last year of his plans to take some breaks: "I'm not getting any younger. I've given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world." His decision to skip the Austria race means he will be able to spend more than a month at home in the UK since returning from the Canadian Grand Prix. His next appearance will be at Silverstone next weekend and he won't need to get on a plane again until the last week of July when he will head to the Belgian Grand Prix.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I fear the worst for my dear pal Michael Schumacher – if only we could know more about how he is
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL Schumacher's former pal says he fears the worst over the F1 legend's condition. Details surrounding the star's health have been kept under lock and key since he suffered a near-fatal ski accident in 2013. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Michael Schumacher pictured in Monza, Italy in 2005 Credit: Getty 4 Schumacher with his wife Corinna in Madonna di Campiglio in 2003 Credit: AFP 4 Richard Hopkins said the F1 legend ghosted him after he shot to fame Credit: SUPPLIED Ex-Red Bull boss Richard Hopkins - who enjoyed regular coffee breaks with Schumacher in the early 1990s - said the lack of information for more than a decade stokes his fears about his condition. Hopkins, Head of Operations at Red Bull from 2013 to 2015, met Schumacher he was a mechanic at McLaren and the F1 great was at Benetton. He watched as Schumacher's career skyrocketed until he retired in 2012 with a joint record seven world titles. But the following year, Schumacher - now 56 - suffered a devastating head injury while skiing on Alpine slopes in France. Protective wife Corinna has not revealed any details about his condition and he has not been seen in public since. And Hopkins says the longer time goes on without an update, the more he fears about the true nature of his health. He told The Sun: "It's a shame and I wish we all knew a bit more. I get it and I understand it, it's very private to them. "But the danger of course is that we all make assumptions of how he is, and probably none of our assumptions are accurate. "We create an assumption that is probably worse and darker than his condition probably is, and then a lot of us look on the bright side and hope it's a lot better than it actually is. "I saw the recent story about him signing a crash helmet, and there's an MS on it. We'd all love to believe he got a pen out the draw and signed it but there was probably some assistance along the way. "I wish we had a better idea, not just me, all of us in motor racing. It's sad because even the 'keep fighting Michael' message has kind of been forgotten. 'But it's life and we all move on. It's very sad that we just don't know and we don't hear from him. It's sad that he doesn't attend races or make public appearances. 'He was an amazing guy, extraordinary character and amazingly successful." Close pal Flavio Briatore, who led Schumacher to his first two titles at Benetton, recently offered a heartbreaking insight into his health. He appeared to confirm Schumacher, who joined Ferrari after Benetton where he won five titles, was bed-bound. What do we know about Schumacher since his accident? MICHAEL Schumacher's life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend. December 29, 2013 - The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain. January 2014 - Schumacher fights for his life: Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as 'critical but stable'. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world's F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital. June 2014 - Schumacher brought out of his coma: After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland. September 2014 - Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team. 2015–2018 - Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together. May 2017 - German magazine sued by Schumacher's family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher's right to privacy. September 2019 - Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris: French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed. December 2019 - Manager issues rare statement: Schumacher's longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health. September 2021 - Netflix documentary 'Schumacher' released: A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: 'Michael is here. Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength.' December 2023 - 10 years since the accident: Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as 'full of affection'. September 2024 - Daughter Gina's wedding: Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family's £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it 'A1 fake news'. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks. March 2025 - Schumacher becomes a grandfather: Daughter Gina announces arrival of first child with husband Iain Bethke. The pair tied the knot in September 2024. Gina revealed the birth on Instagram and wrote: "Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever." Briatore told Corriere della Sera: 'If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory. 'I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed.' Hopkins said he used to bump into Corinna but hasn't seen her, or anyone else close to him, since the crash. He added: 'I just haven't crossed paths with them. 'The circle of people close to Michael is very small, Jean Todt, Corrina, Mick, and a few others who spend time with him. 'Everything about Michael's situation is kept private, and those who are close to him, including his nursing team, are bound by an absolute circle of trust. 'I did meet Corinna a couple of times, if only just to say hi and everything else. My interactions with Michael weren't shared with Corinna. 'But even if I did bump into her now, and I asked how Michael was, she would probably just say he's fine. I didn't know her well enough for her to share information with me." What happened to Michael Schumacher? MICHAEL Schumacher's life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries. The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain. Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel. Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow. He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations. At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed. At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered. But the coma ended up lasting 250 days - more than eight months. After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment. Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status. Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him. In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system. Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain. Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be "conscious", although few other details were given about his state. He added: 'If he could be at a race today, I wonder if he would be? I wonder if he would love it today, rocking up at a race track, everyone would love him being there. "But I don't think he would, actually. I think he'd spend more time on other interests, spending more time on a bloody horse than a race track now!" Schumacher retired in 2006 but made a brief comeback for Mercedes from 2010 to 2012. He is widely considered among the best to ever race in the sport. Only small hints have been released about his health since the accident. Briatore's ex-wife, Elisabetta Gregoraci, previously said he doesn't speak but communicates with his eyes. Corinna has also previously said he is now 'different, but here'.
