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How innovation is shaping F1 tech jobs at Atlassian Williams Racing

Williams tech team

At Atlassian Williams Racing, innovation is something we seek wherever and whenever we can. As one of our core values, our teams harness the power of innovative ideas to develop the solutions we need to get an edge on the competition. Innovation is a mindset that can be seen in everything our Technology & Innovation Group (TIG) does.


In Formula 1, the smallest margins matter. Last season saw half of Grand Prix races decided by less than two and a half seconds. Our F1 tech jobs build the solutions that help us to work harder, smarter, and faster to close the gap on the rest of the pack.

From pushing simulation capabilities to deploying AI tools, innovation is at the heart of our technology jobs. 


We spoke with three TIG leaders who are leading the charge, namely Ben Buckley, Head of Software Data and Engineering, Ben Ellins, Head of Enterprise Systems, and Sorin Cheran, Chief Information and Analytics officer.


What makes software development in Formula 1 different from other tech jobs? 


Software development jobs at Williams are both high-pressure and high-reward. Unlike other tech environments, the impact of innovation in F1 is immediate. Ben Buckley described the unique challenges and rewards that set F1 tech jobs apart.


“We’re constantly evolving and reskilling to adapt to new challenges. It’s also one of the most immediate feedback loops I’ve ever experienced in software. It’s great to be able to link the work to a real-world outcome.  


We have a lot of F1 enthusiasts who join and love it but we also have a lot of non-F1 fans who join and fall in love with the sport. It's all-encompassing working on the projects through the week and then seeing the impact of it on the weekend. Seeing what you’re working on come to life is a big benefit.” 


How we drive innovation in F1 tech jobs


Innovation is built into every project in TIG. From upgrading enterprise systems to scaling simulations, our tech experts are tirelessly pushing the envelope to create our winning formula. To do so, ensuring all systems are cutting edge is the goal, as Ben Ellins explained. 


“Getting the latest capabilities and making sure we then keep them contemporary and updated is important. It’s about keeping everything linked and in line with best practice. We closely collaborate with business leaders to show the value of our innovation.” 


One of the most exciting and innovative projects the team contributes to is simulations. Ben Buckley shared how tech expertise translates into improved performance. 


“High-power compute and simulation is something really cool. We’re scaling from tens to thousands of simulations per day. What excites me about that is having different simulation models running concurrently which then inform each other. That virtuous cycle can be extremely valuable and cut out plenty of time. Taking my CFD and immediately putting it into CAD and refining the model back into CFD, and repeating the cycle, is exciting from a speed perspective.”  


How is AI influencing the future of tech jobs in F1? 


Artificial intelligence is one of the hottest topics in the tech world. For the TIG team, it’s less of an overarching solution and more of an additional weapon to add to the tool kit of innovation. From smarter race strategy to gaining deeper insights, AI does some of the heavy lifting to allow our F1 technology jobs to deliver maximum value.


Ben Buckley shared what excites him about the capabilities of AI in F1.


“There are so many opportunities, from helping us manage debriefs and feedback through to enabling us to make faster decisions during the race or prepping for it.” 


We’re also accelerating F1 innovation through our multi-year partnership with Airia. Its branding debuted on the FW47 at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, and we’re already seeing Airia’s AI platform shaping smarter workflows behind the scenes. Sorin Cheran summed up the importance of this collaboration.


“Partnering with Airia is another key milestone in Atlassian Williams Racing’s data and AI strategy. Their innovative AI orchestration platform and commitment to excellence, agility and continuous improvement will help give us a competitive edge in a sport where every millisecond matters.” 


How our Atlassian partnership boots efficiency 


As both our official Title Partner and Official Technology Partner, Atlassian fuels teamwork and innovation across the whole business. This transformative partnership is helping us collaborate better and work more efficiently. Ben Ellins described the impact of Atlassian.


“I think it’s huge. We’ve got an industry-leading tool set that we use to collaborate. Atlassian is another step toward increased visibility and teamwork. The tool set is something that influences TIG and the whole business. We build cars on a project basis, so having visibility means everything we do is much more efficient. The tools reduce meetings and increase the hours we can spend adding value to the car.”  


How are connected data systems enabling better decisions? 


In Formula 1, big decisions need to be backed by the right information. That’s why our tech team builds deeply connected data systems. They ensure that everyone from engineers to strategists has accurate insights at their fingertips without wasting time chasing data.


That’s the power of data ontology. It’s about connecting data so people can find what they need quickly. This connectivity empowers us to give the elbow to inefficiencies and keeps the car’s development on track. Ben Ellins spoke of the impact ontology can have and why it’s a focus in our tech jobs. 


“If we’ve got a part at the track, we want to know everything about it all the way back to who did the first concept or design. From there, what iterations it went through, who tested it, where was it made etc. Ontology means connecting this information across the organisation and giving us the power to make things better quite quickly.” 


Why should tech professionals choose Formula 1 careers at Williams? 


Whether you’re looking for the next step in your career or just starting out, technology careers in Formula 1 are truly unique. In TIG, you’ll be part of the resurgence of a historic team while getting to see your work come to life on track. Ben Buckley explained the rewards of working in Formula 1.


“Being part of a Formula 1 team is an amazing experience. Even if you’re not a fan right now, you will be once you join! Joining Williams on its journey right now is a rare opportunity to be part of the story that brings us back to the front of the grid. If you’re passionate about tech and want to make a difference, you’ll definitely find your place!”  


Sorin Cheran, Chief Information and Analytics Officer, agreed that the legacy of Williams makes it a rewarding place to build an F1 tech career.


“Williams is not just a team, it’s a symbol of relentless innovation in motorsport. Over the decades, it’s set new standards and introduced groundbreaking advancements that have reshaped Formula 1. I believe there’s so much more we can do to enhance performance and efficiency through cutting-edge data analytics and technology.” 


What F1 tech jobs are on offer? 


TIG is growing. We’ve got big ambitions and need the brightest minds in software, data, AI, trackside technology and more to take us where we want to be. If you want to make real impact in an F1 tech career, TIG offers the opportunity to shape the future of racing. 


Here’s a flavour of the technology jobs in F1 you’ll find: 


  • Software Engineer
  • Data Engineer
  • AI Engineer
  • ERP Specialist
  • Enterprise Architect
  • Platform Engineer
  • Product Owner
  • Strategy Analyst
  • Trackside Systems Engineer 


Explore F1 technology jobs at Williams


Innovation is how we create our winning formula through our tech jobs in TIG. Whether you’re passionate about simulation or a data specialist with big ideas, you can find your place in the Technology & Innovation Group.


Explore our F1 technology jobs or join our talent community to stay up to date.

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