On-track performance isn’t just about a power unit or tyres on track, it's also about how the chassis performs in different conditions, in wind, or in high-speed corners. Senior F1 aerodynamicists play a key role in managing that performance, and shaping the car for great results whatever the track.
That’s particularly important this year, with the FIA introducing new aerodynamic regulations for 2026.
As we approach Melbourne and the very first races of the new rules cycle, take a look at what senior aerodynamicists do and the skills that help them thrive.
What do senior F1 aerodynamicist jobs look like?
A senior F1 aerodynamicist maximises how efficiently the car moves through the air. They focus on a specific area of the car, like the floor, rear wing or bodywork surfaces, and are responsible for finding more downforce, less drag and better balance without upsetting anything else.
That means using CFD to explore new concepts, planning wind tunnel sessions to validate them, and working with design, vehicle dynamics and race engineering to turn promising ideas into race-ready parts.
As Juan Molina, Chief Aerodynamicist, explains:
“In Aerodynamics, we are continuously developing the car and looking at how we develop our relationship with other departments as well as looking forward to how we transition between the current car and the future car. There’s a lot of work in the background that goes into making those decisions.”
“Aerodynamics adds performance onto the car, which is of course important, but we also deal with other departments in the role to find out what the trade-offs are between the different choices you can make. In terms of making the car faster, it’s a collaborative effort.”
Read more: The roles and responsibilities of an F1 aerodynamics engineer
How senior aerodynamicists lead teams and projects
In senior aerodynamics jobs, you’re responsible for an area of the car – but you’re also responsible for creating an environment where engineers feel confident to bring their ideas to the table. Accountability is a big part of that. When something doesn’t go to plan, we focus on learning rather than blame, as Juan explained:
“I saw the value of accountability in action in a previous race. There were some issues with communication, which a trackside member of the team took on board. In the debrief, there were no fingers pointed, and the team member laid out the things that he did wrong and would be working on. I found it very powerful and inspiring to everyone in the room, it shows that we own and learn from the things we get wrong. That’s how we solve problems.”
The skills that stand out in senior aerodynamics jobs
To thrive in senior aerodynamicist jobs, you need a blend of deep technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. It’s a role where you’re always striving to improve and helping others do the same.
Some of the hallmarks of a great senior F1 aerodynamicist include:
- Aerodynamic fundamentals: a strong grasp of fluid dynamics and how airflow behaves around complex geometry
- CFD and wind tunnel expertise: using both tools together, not in isolation, to build a clear picture of performance
- CAD and geometry skills: turning ideas into surfaces that can be modelled, tested and built
- Attention to detail: small changes can deliver big gains, so you need to spot patterns in noisy data
- Flexible thinking: being ready to pivot when new information arrives, rather than always sticking to the first idea
- Communication and listening: explaining your reasoning clearly, and listening carefully to feedback from others
Matt Loveridge, Head of Aerodynamic Operations, explained:
“Teamwork and collaboration are key here as it takes a lot of people to achieve the aerodynamic profile. Innovation is also something that’s very close to us within aerodynamics. We have to think differently all the time to try and get the edge. My group is trying to think of new ways to deliver parts to the wind tunnel faster, easier, cheaper, and quicker.”
For Juan, the collaboration and depth of interaction is what makes life here special:
“I enjoy the interactions I have with people around the business. One of the highlights is the teamwork that we have here, where usually I'm interacting with 30-40 people a day. It’s quite a lot and there are different problems to tackle with each group of people. There is a lot going on and having those conversations is quite interesting.”
Why now is a great time for senior aerodynamics jobs at Williams
Williams has an almost unrivalled heritage in Formula 1, but we’re not here to live in the past. With a clear goal of returning to race-winning form, we’re proud to shape our future for a new era. Senior F1 aerodynamicist roles are instrumental to this shift.
Having been at Williams for 14 years, Matt has seen the change firsthand:
“I think now is the most exciting time to be here for sure. The mentality of challenging and questioning everything to get the optimal result motivates me and we’re also wanting to better our processes and everything we do.”
For Juan, our mission captures what makes this journey special:
“Create our winning formula means we have our own way of being successful. It’s not based on anyone else’s blueprint or what other teams have done before, it’s down to us to create it ourselves with our own ideas and our own way of doing great things.”
Find your place as a senior aerodynamicist
If you’re an experienced aerodynamicist who loves pushing the limits of what’s possible, senior aerodynamics jobs at Atlassian Williams F1 Team offer the chance to make real impact on one of the biggest stages in motorsport.
Take a look at our senior aerodynamicist jobs and wider aerodynamics roles today, or join our talent community to hear about future opportunities.
