Skip to main content
Careermash
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY →

Racing Driver

Racing drivers and motorsport engineers work together to go as fast as possible on track. Drivers need quick reactions, nerves of steel, and absolute focus. Engineers design and build the cars that make it happen, testing every part to squeeze out extra speed and keep the car safe.

Racing Driver

28

Engineering and Technology

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY28
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST73%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £30,000
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

AI exposure is modest for this work today
AI exposure today for this job is modest on our index (28), an estimate rather than a measurement. We have not yet classified what, if anything, structurally protects it, so we make no claim either way about a moat. Learn the tools, and build the judgement that stays human.

The role

As a racing driver, you spend your days on the track, pushing a high-performance car to its limits. Your job is to drive as fast as you safely can, make split-second decisions at high speeds, and work with your team to improve performance. You will compete in races and tournaments, starting from smaller championships and working your way up to bigger events.

As a motorsport engineer, you design and build racing cars, or improve existing ones. You test every component - the engine, tyres, suspension, brakes - working out what changes will make the car faster or more reliable. Before and after races, you analyse data from the car's computers to find tiny improvements. You work closely with drivers and mechanics to make sure everything is working perfectly.

Daily responsibilities

  • Practise on the track, learning every corner and finding the fastest line through it.
  • Study data from the car's computer with your engineers to spot where you can shave off time.
  • Train hard in the gym to build the strength and stamina needed to handle high-speed laps.
  • Talk through car setup with your team, suggesting changes to the brakes, tyres or suspension.
  • Walk the circuit before a race to check track conditions and plan your strategy.
  • Compete in races, making split-second decisions while overtaking rivals at high speed.
  • Meet sponsors and fans, doing interviews and promotional work to support your racing career.

Does a degree help here?

A UK education provides you with access to top-notch motorsport engineering programs and connections to leading racing teams. With a focus on practical experience and innovation, studying in the UK equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in this competitive field.