The role of F1 HR jobs in keeping us competitive

In a high-pressure environment like Formula 1, culture is the driving force behind sustained success. That’s where HR jobs make real impact. At Atlassian Williams Racing, our Human Resources team plays a hands-on role in supporting performance by shaping teams, strengthening leadership, and helping the organisation adapt as demands change.  

F1 HR jobs help create the winning formula that allows us to perform on track. Here’s a closer look at what Human Resources jobs in Formula 1 really look like at Williams, with insight from Ann Perrins, Chief Human Resources Officer. 

The impact of HR jobs in F1 

Formula 1 doesn’t stand still. At Williams, staying competitive means continuously evolving how we work, lead, and support our people. HR jobs are the heart of that evolution.  

The role of HR goes beyond policy and process. HR works closely with leaders across the business to align people strategy with performance goals. This includes everything from supporting organisational change to making sure teams have the right skills in place at the right time.  

For Ann Perrins, that connection between people and performance is fundamental to the role: 

“I joined the business with a spirit of adventure more than anything else. I love transformation and joining was an incredible challenge and opportunity. From the first day, it’s been exciting to be helping to solve problems while also building a world-class people function where everyone can make real impact.” 

“We’re here to build an elite team and a high-performance culture. Everything we’re doing is in service of that. This is an organisation that’s always building and reinventing. Whatever domain you’re operating in, you can use your creativity and find your place within the team. There’s so much opportunity to play a crucial part in every role across the business.” 

Building a high-performance culture in Formula 1 

In Formula 1, teams operate under real time pressure, and decisions often need to be made while work is already in motion.  

HR jobs support a high-performance culture at Williams by focusing on how teams are structured and supported. This includes reinforcing clear expectations around behaviour and accountability, and supporting leadership capability as teams grow and evolve. 

Ann described how culture is treated as a priority across the business: 

“Whether you are at the top of your field, aspire to make it there or just really want to work with others who are already at the top of the field,this is the kind of environment where you can achieve that. Every leader I speak to across the organisation really understands the value of getting the people and culture right, and that being at the heart of our strategy and the way that we’re going to win.” 

What Human Resources jobs in Formula 1 look like 

Human Resources jobs in Formula 1 cover a wide range of responsibilities that all contribute to the overall business goals. Working in this environment means being comfortable with juggling competing priorities and communicating clearly when things move quickly. 

This includes: 

• Supporting leaders through change 

• Helping teams plan capability without unnecessary complexity 

• Using data to add clarity to decision-making 

• Staying calm when the pressure ramps up  

HR roles at Williams are closely connected to the sport itself. That proximity is part of what makes working in HR in F1 different. Ann said: 

“I think what’s unique about being in a sports team is being on the world stage every week. It is fun, you get emotional highs and lows that unite everyone. There’s nothing like standing in a race bay and seeing a new driver be announced. I’ve never had an emotional experience like that at work before.” 

The skills needed for HR jobs in F1 

HR jobs in F1 suit professionals who are comfortable taking responsibility and working at pace. There’s little room for over-analysis, so judgement and clarity matter. HR decisions directly affect delivery and team stability, particularly during demanding periods of the season. 

At Williams, our HR experts demonstrate: 

• The ability to make clear decisions  

• Confidence communicating with technical and non-technical leaders 

• Strong understanding of systems, data, and employment frameworks 

• A practical mindset focused on resolving issues  

Ann shared her advice for working in this environment: 

“The best career advice I’ve been given is to work hard, show up, do your best, support those around you and commit. We have a really simple mission to unite behind, and it feels possible. It will shape the future if you keep going and there’s lots of resources and people to help with that here.” 

Make real impact in HR in F1 

Our HR jobs in F1 are closely tied to how the team performs over time. HR contributes to competitiveness by responding to real needs, maintaining high standards under pressure and supporting teams as we get closer to our goal of rising up the grid.  

Explore our latest HR job opportunities today or join our talent community to stay up to date.