Helping design the fastest racing cars on the planet and then working to make them even faster might seem like an impossible dream, but there are many paths to a career in aerodynamics and plenty of rewards to unlock once you get there. Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Aerodynamicist Eleanor Rajaratnam explains all...
A year from now, when F1 ushers in a new set of regulations that dictate a radically different kind of car to those racing in 2025, Aerodynamicist Eleanor Rajaratnam will be able to look at our challenger and know that her fingerprints can be found on its design.
"I used to work on the floor, which has been a hot topic under the current regulations. It was great to be involved in that kind of high-impact development, but I've now moved on to the Concept Group, which is super exciting and means I can really put my stamp on the 2026 car."
It's a level of involvement Eleanor could hardly have envisioned when she embarked on her journey towards F1. "Not the best behaved" at school, she made her way to university through clearing and then began a Bachelor's degree. In isolation, a Bachelor's degree is not usually enough for a career in the field of aerodynamics at the pinnacle of motorsport but, as Eleanor explains, there is no single route to F1 and if you are fearless, resilient, and relentless there are many ways to forge a career in F1 aerodynamics...
Putting performance on the car is the focus
"Aerodynamics covers the entire breadth of the car and we currently have a system in the team where the aerodynamics groups are split into the different regions of the car.
"My day-to-day work involves both computational and experimental testing techniques to put performance onto the car. First thing in the morning, I'll look at the computational results from the night before. I'll assess the results, determine which are the most interesting and we'll shape a wind tunnel testing programme around those options. After that, we'll send them off to the aero model designers who will create wind tunnel parts, which we test on a weekly basis in the wind tunnel."
We are constantly pushing and everyone I work with is highly driven. I never come to work not wanting to be here.
Eleanor Rajaratnam, Aerodynamicist
It's fast-paced
"Our 'time to market' is so much quicker than in standard commercial aerodynamics. You have the automotive, aviation, and military sectors, but compared to those we are a lot faster and that's what I enjoy most: the pace of the job.
"It's high pressure but I work well under pressure. We are constantly pushing and everyone I work with is highly driven. I never come to work not wanting to be here. I'm always excited to see the results of my simulations from the night before and excited to see how my options are going to perform in the wind tunnel."
Many roads lead to F1
"I think there's a misconception among students that you need to do things a certain way to get into F1. I actually started off doing a Bachelor's degree in engineering because I didn't maximise my opportunity and potential during my A-Levels and didn't study as hard as I could have. However, I was able to transfer to a Master's degree midway through.
"I don't think many people realise you can do that and it's something I would suggest exploring if you don't get the grades to do a Master's initially. For a lot of technical roles in F1, a Master's of some sort is a requirement but you can get there through different ways. That's one of my big tips.
"Also, after doing my Master's, I felt I needed to stand out from the crowd, especially as I was competing against people who were coming from Imperial College London or Cambridge University, or who had done years of Formula Student, so that's when I applied for PhDs. I was successful in being offered one from Loughborough University, in external aerodynamics, that was half computational and half experimental, which is exactly what I wanted to do and I knew would give me the transferable skills to help secure a job in F1. Most importantly, however, it taught me perseverance, where every day I woke up thinking 'I am one day closer to my dream.'"
I think there's a misconception that there's a down period during an F1 season. For an aerodynamicist that is not the case at all.
Eleanor Rajaratnam, Aerodynamicist
Come on in
"Here at Aston Martin Aramco, we offer industrial placements, from aero to composite design, across the whole company. We offer them at the beginning of a university year and it's something prospective candidates should consider. All the information about them is on our team website."
Equip yourself with the right skills
"During a university degree, especially if you do aerospace or aeronautical engineering or even a Master's in fluid dynamics, you'll learn CFD, which is one of the main computational tools we use, and wind tunnel testing.
"CAD skills are also required. What's most powerful here is how CAD is all linked together. Someone working on the front wing might draw an option that fits aerodynamically and geometrically with a concept that a person working on the bodywork and the chassis is designing, and that would then fit with people who are working on the floor."
You'll need to make sacrifices but it's worth it
"I really love my job. And it can mean that on a few occasions your social life takes a back seat; we work long hours but that's because we love and thrive off it. The pressure is also intense and we develop at a very high rate. I think there's a misconception that there's a down period during an F1 season. For an aerodynamicist that is not the case at all. Outside of the mandated shutdown periods in August and in winter, we are pushing 100 per cent all the time."
We spend more than 50 per cent of our lives at the AMR Technology Campus so making it a place where you want to be is important.
Eleanor Rajaratnam, Aerodynamicist
The AMR Technology Campus is the place to be
"The AMR Technology Campus is an incredible place to work. Not only do we have a fantastic campus and new facilities, including a state-of-the-art new wind tunnel, but I also work with an amazing group of people. Everyone brings something different to the table. We're diverse in thought, and on top of that the team is growing its level of diversity as well.
"I'm co-chair of the team's DE&I (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) committee and we're doing a lot of work to establish ERGs (Employee Resource Groups): employee-led groups that aim to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace. These groups are open to everyone. We spend more than 50 per cent of our lives at the AMR Technology Campus so making it a place where you want to be is important."
Our new wind tunnel will be a game-changer
"There has been a significant momentum shift over the past couple of years for our team and that's been highlighted by all the new facilities that we've been building on site.
"We've got a beautiful new campus but what's even more exciting as an aerodynamicist is the new wind tunnel. It means we'll have a lot more freedom with our development cycle and our testing plans because we'll be testing in our own facility compared to having to do it within three 24-hour shifts on a weekend off-site as per our agreement with Mercedes. It's going to make a massive difference.
"We're at the beginning of a very exciting journey at Aston Martin Aramco and it's hugely rewarding to be playing a part in that."
Top tips
0.5
If you don't get the initial grades for a Master's, you can start with a Bachelor's and switch midway through in some universities – make sure to contact admissions and check beforehand.
1
Studying for a PhD in aerodynamics is a great way to further your knowledge, gain transferable skills and help you to stand out from the crowd.
1.5
Develop your CAD skills and knowledge of CFD.
2
You need to be able to work to tight deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
JOIN THE TEAM
Bring your energy and be part of the journey. With a rich heritage and a fresh perspective, we're shaking up the order and determined to compete at the sharp end.
Talented. Passionate. Driven. Our people are what set us apart and, together, we're changing the game on and off the track.
Discover the roles we're recruiting for at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and make your next career move.
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.
We use cookies on our website. By continuing to use this website you consent to the storing and accessing of cookies on your device in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
To learn more about cookies, how we use them on our site and how to change your settings please view our Cookie Policy.
