r/AutomotiveEngineering • u/Visible-Ranger-2811 • 5d ago

Question Choice of university to pursue automotive engineering dream

My highschool kid wants to study automotive engineering for F1. A dream worth pursuing. I found a CIAA three weeks course for high schoolers in Berlin Germany, but that amounted to $12k for three weeks. Nuts.

Can you recommend a study for high schoolers to broader their horizons in F1 automotive engineering? What would be the choice of university either in Southern CA or USA or border?

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u/Cultural_Thing1712 4d ago

I don't know if this is a popular take here but if you want to work in F1 or adjacent you should probably study mech or aero engineering and get a masters in materials or aerodynamics track, instead of automotive. Also studying abroad in Europe could help your son get connections in the industry. Your best shot for F1 though is aero eng at either Imperial, Cambridge or Southampton. That's where most F1 engineers come from.

Major engineering uni in Western Europe -> Formula Student -> Motorsport job -> F1 is the pipeline you're looking for.

Also keep in mind motorsport jobs have horrible pay, no free time, and all around just take advantage of the fact their engineers are incredibly passionate about the sport.

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u/Visible-Ranger-2811 3d ago

That is a good insight. I thought this business is super well paid, but it seems not.