“Meet the Voices Behind the Wheel: F1’s 2025 Race Engineers Guiding Hamilton…..read more
Formula 1 drivers rely heavily on their race engineers, who serve as the crucial link between the driver and the team during each race. While the engineers may not get the same spotlight as the drivers, they play a vital role in the communication that guides the drivers through strategy, car management, and performance improvements. In some cases, race engineers even act as a calming presence, such as Gianpiero Lambiase, who has helped keep Max Verstappen focused during tense moments. Over the years, some engineers have become iconic figures in F1, like Peter Bonnington, whose voice is synonymous with Lewis Hamilton’s motivational catchphrase, “It’s hammer time.”
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, each of the 20 Formula 1 drivers will have their respective race engineers, and several of these engineers have long histories within their teams. At McLaren, for instance, Lando Norris’ race engineer is Will Joseph, who joined the team in 2006 and worked with top drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso before becoming Norris’ engineer. In 2024, Joseph was also promoted to the director of race engineering. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri’s race engineer is Tom Stallard, a former Olympic rower who joined McLaren in 2014 and worked with drivers like Jenson Button, Carlos Sainz, and Daniel Ricciardo before Piastri joined the team.
These engineers play an essential part in guiding the drivers through each race weekend, often offering advice on tire strategy, car setup, and on-track adjustments. Their roles extend beyond just technical support, as they must understand the driver’s needs and preferences, ensuring the car is tuned for optimal performance. A good race engineer can also provide psychological support, helping to keep the driver calm and focused, especially in challenging moments.
In 2025, F1 fans will continue to hear these engineers’ voices in the team’s race radios, although many may not always recognize the names behind the instructions. Nevertheless, the relationship between a driver and their race engineer is critical to a team’s success, with effective communication often making the difference between victory and defeat.
