At Atlassian Williams F1 Team, planning analysts plot the path from ambitious ideas to valuable action. Working within programme management and across technical teams, they help manage key resources and support the joined-up thinking needed to create our winning formula.
Thinking of bringing your planning analyst skills to Formula 1? Here’s what you can expect.
What does an F1 planning analyst do?
A Formula 1 planning analyst helps the team understand what needs to happen, when it needs to happen and how available resource can support the plan. It’s a people-focused role that relies on good information and clear communication to spot risks early and make decisions that keep projects moving.
An F1 planning analyst needs to understand where pressure could build and which deadlines and resources need to be protected. In a sport where small delays can have a big impact, good planning helps give technical teams the time and clarity they need to do their best work.
Brooke Timmins, Planning Analyst, explains what her role looks like:
“I work within the programme management team. My main job is to look at design resource across the year and work with the design office, programme managers and coordinators to make sure everything is okay.”
“Right now, I’m working on the planning for next year’s car, so I’m looking at the design resource and how the projects we want to do will affect what’s going through other departments.”
How does an F1 planning analyst support car performance?
Planning may not be one of the most visible parts of Formula 1, but it plays a vital part in what reaches the track. When designers have enough time and programme risks are visible early, the whole team can work more efficiently.
This matters even more in F1’s cost cap era, where smart decisions around time, budget and resource can help teams compete more effectively. For a planning analyst, making real impact often starts with making sure the right work can happen at the right time.
Brooke sums up the link between planning and performance:
“My job adds performance on the car as we make sure designers have enough time to get everything done so that we can actually get a car to track. It’s integral to keeping everything in shape.”
Why is collaboration important in planning analyst jobs in F1?
Formula 1 planning analyst jobs are built around teamwork. The role connects programme management, design, engineering, HR and other specialist areas, so planning analysts need to work well with different people and understand what each team needs from the plan.
At Williams, this fits closely with how we work as one to succeed. Planning analysts seek information from across the business and help teams stay aligned. It’s collaboration with purpose, because the goal is always to keep everything moving towards adding performance to the car.
Brooke sees collaboration as one of the biggest areas of growth in her career so far:
“In my job, you need to be able to work well with lots of different people, as well as being organised and focused. The skill I’ve levelled up the most here has been working with different people. You have to get stuck in and meet them, learn how they work, and adapt to it. It’s really important, and one thing you have to learn quickly.”
What skills do you need for an F1 planning analyst job?
A Formula 1 planning analyst needs to be analytical, organised and confident working across teams. Strong data skills are important, but the role is also about helping people understand what the data means and what needs to happen next.
Technical knowledge can help, but it’s not always essential. What matters is the ability to seek information and stay calm when priorities shift. That’s innovation in practice, as analysts use data and curiosity to find better ways forward.
Useful skills for planning analyst jobs include:
- Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Confidence working with complex datasets
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical teams
- Experience using tools such as Power BI, Project Online or similar systems
- Good organisation in a fast-moving environment
- The ability to work independently and manage changing deadlines
Can you get into F1 planning analyst jobs without motorsport experience?
While motorsport experience can help, it’s not the only route into Formula 1 planning analyst jobs. Brooke joined Williams through our business graduate scheme after studying maths. The scheme allowed her to gain experience across different areas of the organisation.
“I studied maths at university and, at the end, had no idea what I wanted to do next. I saw the business graduate scheme and thought, ‘that sounds really great.’ You get so many different opportunities and get to see different parts of the business. My rotations were across finance, business systems, spares and finally merchandise and licensing. They were my official rotations and then I did a couple of extra ones as well.”
That variety helped Brooke build a wider view of how the team works. It also shows why transferable skills matter. Previous jobs, different experiences and a willingness to learn can all help someone find their place in the team.
“I didn’t have any experience with F1 or any motorsport when I applied, but I was able to speak about previous jobs I’d had and why that made me a well-rounded person, so I think that helped my application stand out.”
For anyone starting out, our early careers opportunities are a great way to kickstart your career.
What’s life like as a planning analyst at Williams?
Working in Formula 1 is exciting and keeps you on your toes. Plans change and the pace can ramp up. That’s part of the challenge, but it’s also what makes F1 rewarding. A planning analyst gets to see how different teams operate and how decisions move through the business, from early ideas to the end result that reaches the track.
For Brooke, joining Williams meant getting involved quickly:
“My first three months here were exciting, fun and maybe a bit nerve-racking as well. I came in as a grad, and you get stuck in straight away, which is really cool. It was very busy but great to contribute from day one.”
“The most surprising thing I’ve learned about working in Formula 1 is the realities of the industry. I think everyone assumes it’s always a smooth operation and that’s not the case. There are a few bumps in the road, but everyone works together to navigate them, which is great. Then we get to track and it’s really cool to see the end result.”
“Right now, I’m focused on being the best I can in my current role. The team I work in is great and they always help me to develop and find my place. I have lots of support from everyone around me.”
Make real impact as an F1 planning analyst
Ready to turn ideas into action? Explore our latest operations jobs or join our talent community to take your next step with Williams.
