MY UNTOLD STORY: Five inspiring people reflect on their journeys to working in F1 – and why diversity is so important

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Formula 1 is a sport for all, with many people from a wide range of backgrounds playing their part in delivering the entertainment spectacle to fans.

From those working trackside through to the staff supporting operations at team headquarters, each individual has their own story about how they got to where they are today. In the latest instalment of the ‘My Untold Story’ series, we sit down with five inspirational people to discuss their upbringings and their roles within F1.

Their stories also highlight the importance of diversity in the sport and how this is creating a positive impact.

MY UNTOLD STORY: Five inspirational people describe their journeys to working in F1 – and why there are opportunities for all in the sport

Rajan ‘Raj’ Singh Panesar – Materials Engineer at Red Bull

Raj explains how he became interested in Formula 1 and the “turning point” moment that came from first seeing the cars live on track. He also discusses the challenge of experiencing a stammer whilst growing up and how his work gave him the confidence to find the best way for him of overcoming it.

Raj goes on to reflect on how, despite a previous interview for another team not working out, he remained determined to reach F1 and eventually secured his role at Red Bull, where he also acts as a cultural lead in working to build diversity and inclusion.

Krystina Emmanouilides – Senior Aero Correlation Engineer at Kick Sauber

In her untold story, Krystina recalls growing up close to the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne and how this influenced her career path into the sport. She also remembers the excitement of going to study motorsport engineering in the UK alongside others who were passionate about the subject.

Krystina discusses the importance of her work with the FIA Girls on Track programme in Australia as well as Racing Pride, an organisation that positively promotes the LGBTQ+ community within motorsport. She stresses how crucial it is for everybody to feel that they can be their authentic selves whilst at work and reflects on what the teams can do to create inclusive cultures.

MY UNTOLD STORY: Inspirational people share their journeys to working in F1 – and the importance of diversity

Zuzanna Koscinska– Aerodynamicist at Ferrari

Zuzanna shares the story of how she started to follow Formula 1 whilst growing up in Poland and how her struggles with homesickness when studying abroad have ultimately helped her to adapt to new environments. She also discusses her experiences of sexism during her education.

Looking back on her path to her job at Ferrari, Zuzanna recalls her happiness at finding out she would join the team just two weeks before her wedding day. She describes the work environment at the Scuderia and the motivation that comes from seeing how important the team is to their fans.

MY UNTOLD STORY: Five inspiring people share their journeys to working in F1 – and how the sport can be a vehicle for change

Rhys James – Senior Design Engineer at Red Bull

Rhys begins by explaining what his role at Red Bull entails and how an early interest in the way things work led him to a career in engineering. He reflects on why he pushed himself to come out as bisexual at work, the relief that came with this and how he found allies in unexpected places.

Rhys explains the importance of the company’s work with Racing Pride and how this can help in discussing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. He also celebrates the fact that many individuals arriving into Formula 1 now feel comfortable enough to be out from the beginning.

MY UNTOLD STORY: Five inspirational people share their amazing journeys to working within Formula 1

Reinhold ‘Reini’ Bechthold – Storeman at Kick Sauber

Reini describes how he started to play ice hockey as a child and the impact this had in terms of enjoying teamwork and helping him to overcome asthma. He goes on to detail his diagnosis with diabetes and how further serious health issues during a trip to Morocco left him in a coma for two and a half weeks.

After suffering with paralysis and being unable to speak, Reini recalls his struggles with his prognosis before reflecting on how he found the motivation to keep on going in his recovery. He details how he went on to work for Sauber and what he would now tell his younger self.

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