Here's to being bold, brave and anything but ordinary. As we celebrate individuality in F1 together with our official fashion partner, BOSS, meet members of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team who are igniting the power within to unlock their full potential and push the boundaries.
Electronics Production Manager Sam Nayler reveals how taking the road less travelled allowed him to find his perfect F1 position and why the ceiling people place on you is not the limit...
I saw another route and took it
"I shouldn't really be in motorsport. The department I work in, electronics production, the traditional route is a university degree in mechanical, in automotive, and you follow that route. I didn't do that. I had different strengths. I maybe wasn't the most academic, but I saw another route in and took the challenge.
"My background is in building. I come from Cornwall, a small village full of farmers and full of builders. At school you’re told, 'No-one from Cornwall goes and works in F1,' and that’s probably where that passion, that fire came from. Proving those people wrong.
"At university I was told that, because of what I was studying, I wouldn't be able to work in F1. I was told I'd need to change course. And, again, I just had this fire to go: 'Well, I'll prove you wrong.' I think that was actually a turning point. I said I was going to work in F1 and everyone said: 'Really? You're doing a construction course!' But I said no, I'll make this work, I will do it. It takes time and hard work but I did it. The ceiling is not the limit."
I see myself as a guide
"My job title is Electronics Production Manager. That means I manage the flow of parts and people from start to finish over a production process.
"I see myself as a guide for the highly talented and skilled people who build up the electronics – my role is to steer them to where we need to go and give them the information they need to do their job.
"The people that, for want of a better term, I 'lead', should feel the same fulfilment, if not more, from what they're doing, as I do. Then, it's like a mirror. If you're empowering them, they're empowering you and you keep going."
I'm not the type of person to sit still. I'm not the type of person to settle. I've always wanted to do my best.
Working as part of a team is exhilarating
"When you're working as a team, there's a different feeling when you achieve your goal than when you're working by yourself. You're in it collectively. The success behind it all feels greater. You're more exhilarated.
"Whenever I put on my Aston Martin Aramco BOSS teamwear, when I wear those wings, I feel very proud and I feel empowered to do my best work here. You're representing more than just yourself. When you step through the door each morning, you're working towards a common goal. And there’s almost a sense of family throughout the whole team."
Perfection is a snapshot
"You need goals. Last year was probably a good example. That feeling at the first race of the year, with team members on the podium – that's everyone's goal. That gives you confidence to do more and to do better. I don't think anything is perfect. Everything could be better. That's why people work in this industry.
"Perfection is a snapshot in time. Two seconds later, you can always do something better. That gives me the drive to do better. If you say, 'Oh, that's perfect, that'll do,' you’re never going to change that, but if you say it's 90 per cent perfect then there's still that 10 per cent to do better and constantly improve.
"I'm not the type of person to sit still. I'm not the type of person to settle. I've always wanted to do my best. Then, you can't be asked to do anymore, right? If you do that, you go home each day feeling like you've achieved something."
Talented. Driven. Determined. Our people are what set us apart, boldly pushing progress at every turn.
Join us on our journey and bring your thing as we change the game on and off the track.
Challenging, rewarding, and anything but ordinary, unlock your full potential with a career at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and ignite the power within.
Igniting the power within
Alysha Lane: The Garage Technician bossing her lane
Read Now
Michael Okeke: The Mechanical Design Engineer killing it with kindness
Read Now
Eleanor Rajaratnam: The Aerodynamicist looking to continuously improve
Read Now
Curtis Stones: The Chief Mechanic sticking to the facts
Read NowIgnite The Power WithinIgnite The Power Within
Explore
I / AM membership
The ultimate fan experience.
Get closer to the team with unparalleled access, behind-the-scenes insights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and enjoy exclusive competitions, rewards, offers and more.
