Motorsport Career Advice: How to Get an Internship with a Racing Team
Dreaming of hanging out in the pit lane, fixing cars, or helping a driver prep for a race? The fastest way in is an internship. It gives you real‑world experience and puts you on the radar of the people who hire full‑time staff.
Research the Right Teams
Start by making a list of teams you admire. Look at their official websites, social media, and news stories. Note where they’re based, what series they run in, and whether they have a history of taking interns. Smaller teams often have more open spots and are willing to give you a broader range of tasks.
Once you have a shortlist, dive into each team’s “Careers” or “Opportunities” page. Some posts are hidden in a general “Jobs” section, so use the site’s search function with words like “intern”, “placement”, or “student”. If you can’t find anything, don’t assume they’re not interested—reach out directly with a short, polite email.
Network and Show Your Drive
Motorsport is a tight‑knit community. Attend local races, car shows, and engineering fairs. Introduce yourself to engineers, mechanics, and even the drivers. A quick chat can turn into a referral later.
Online groups work too. Join LinkedIn pages, Facebook groups, or forums focused on racing. Comment on posts, share useful articles, and let people know you’re looking for experience. Authentic engagement beats a generic “I need a job” message.
When you contact a team, keep the email to a few short paragraphs. State who you are, what you study or have done, and why you’re drawn to that specific team. Attach a clean CV that highlights relevant coursework, any garage work, and soft skills like teamwork and problem solving.
Show that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves. Mention you’re happy to do menial tasks – cleaning tools, moving tyres, fetching coffee – because those moments often lead to learning the real work. Teams value people who aren’t afraid to get dirty.
Be prepared to move. Top‑tier teams sit in places like Silverstone, Spa, or the Nürburgring area. If you can relocate, mention it in your email. It signals flexibility and commitment.
Polish your CV to match the sport. List any mechanical projects, CAD work, or racing video games that taught you strategy. Use action verbs – “assembled”, “tested”, “analyzed”. Keep it to one page and tailor it for each team’s focus.
Finally, follow up. If you haven’t heard back after a week, send a brief reminder. It keeps you on their radar without being pushy.
Landing a motorsport internship isn’t magic; it’s a mix of research, networking, and showing genuine enthusiasm. Treat each step like a race lap – plan, execute, and adjust. With persistence, you’ll find a spot that puts you inside the action and launches your career.
