Six inspiring people share their untold F1 stories
There are many people from different backgrounds who work in Formula 1, from the organization itself to the teams that provide fans with endless entertainment. But how well do you know their names and their stories?
In this ‘My Untold Story’ series, six inspiring people from different walks of life tell us all about their upbringing, their roles in Formula 1, as well as their hopes for the younger generation. Together they show that, whatever your background, a career in Formula 1 could be for you.
READ MORE: F1 committed to ‘delivering positive lasting change’ on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, says Domenicali
Filippo Giussani – CFD software developer at Aston Martin
Filippo is a member of the LGBTQ+ community who discusses how his childhood included watching Formula 1 with his family, especially his father and brother, and what he does in his current role at Aston Martin.
He explains why his involvement in the sport can be used to inspire younger generations, why messages from the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel about the alliance are so important and how this could lead to change.
My Untold Story: Filippo Giussani – CFD Software Developer, Aston Martin
Emily Billingham – FIA Systems Analyst
Emily is another who talks about her childhood as she explains why she chose to leave school early despite being a very strong student. She details how she got her part in timing in Formula 1 and how Motorsport UK played its part in helping her do it.
READ MORE: ‘If you can’t see it, you can’t believe it’ – Susie Wolff on new global F1 Academy initiative Discover Your Drive
She talks to us about the interview process and why the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix is a poignant moment in her career. Finally, Emily explains what her new role at the FIA entails and why she believes there are more roles in motorsport for women.
My Untold Story: Emily Billingham – Systems Analyst, FIA
Joe Onyuma – McLaren Social Media Executive
Joe talks about how a rugby injury when he was younger revealed a problem with his spine and left him unable to bend over for six months. He explains how, inspired by his mother, this led to his love for cameras, which led him to where he is today.
READ MORE: ‘A turning point in motorsport history’ – Inside F1 Academy Discover Your Drive
He talks about the challenges he faced growing up and the comments he would get that would leave him confused. Joe reflects on his role at McLaren and what he enjoys most about working with the team, before highlighting the impact of Lewis Hamilton and why his success inspired him as a child.
My Untold Story: Joe Onyuma – Social Media Executive, McLaren
Kimberleigh Hillsdon – Haas Shop and Parts Supervisor
For Kimberleigh, spending time with her family at the races sparked an interest in mechanics and motorsports. In this episode she talks about her career to date and how an apprenticeship at the age of 16 saw her leave the car industry for four years.
READ MORE: Hamilton praises F1 Academy ‘progress’ with all 10 F1 teams to have drivers alive in 2024
Those years away ended up rekindling her passion for the industry, and she goes on to explain how working at Haas brought her back to the sport. Kimberleigh also discusses the barriers women face in trying to enter motorsport and why, although progress has been made, there is still much to be done to break down these barriers.
My Untold Story: Kimberleigh Hillsdon – Stores & Parts Supervisor, Haas
Cleo Collins – No.2 engineer at Alpine
Cleo discusses her role at Alpine and how her love of the sport started as a hobby with friends and included a track day at Brands Hatch when she was 19. She reflects on how this hobby led her to make the decision to leave the family business and switch to motorsport.
FORMULA WHY: How Formula 1 is trying to become a more sustainable sport
Cleo explains how her time with Accelerate fueled her love of motorsport, how she came to the W Series and how it felt to join Alpine. She shares advice for the younger generation of women interested in motorsport and why she believes role models are so important.
My Untold Story: Cleo Collins – No.2 Mechanic, Alpine
Rodrigo Azevedo – Senior Editor for Creative Media in Formula 1
Rodrigo discusses his upbringing in Brazil in his untold story and how watching Ayrton Senna with his father played a major role in developing his love for Formula 1. He also opens up about how he decided what to do with his career and decision to leave home to move to the UK.
READ MORE: Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur FC join forces to find next generation of F1 drivers
He explains how his father’s illness played a huge part in his decision to apply for the Formula 1 role and why it felt special to work in F1 for him. Finally, he explains what he loves about his role, sharing what he does when he’s on the track and back in the UK office.
My Untold Story: Rodrigo Azevedo – Senior Edit Producer, Formula 1
For more on the Formula 1 career click here.
#inspiring #people #share #untold #stories