In this episode, Neil interviews Pat Symonds, one of the most well known and respected engineers in Formula One. They discuss Pat's career in engineering, his time in Formula One, and the evolution of the sport. Pat shares insights into his early motivations, his work with different teams, and the challenges he faced. They also touch on the growth of Motorsport Valley in the UK and the potential for Formula One teams to be based in other countries. In this conversation, Pat discusses his experience in Formula One and the challenges of being a technical director. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the ability to make compromises in order to achieve success. He shares insights into the culture at Williams and Benetton and how it impacted their success. Additionally, he discusses the future of Formula One, including the use of AI and ML, the potential shift towards sustainable fuels, and the role of motor manufacturers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Neil Ashton Podcast
03:34 His career in Formula One
35:16 The Impact of the Cost Cap on Formula One Teams
37:44 The Potential for Global Expansion of Formula One Teams
39:12 The Multidisciplinary Nature of Early Engineering in Formula One
42:07 Continuous Learning and Making Compromises
49:24 The Role of Leadership and Team Dynamics
55:14 The Impact of Culture on Success
01:04:42 The Future of Formula One
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