PhD for F1?

[GaryC]

I'm a 4th year mechanical and automotive engineering student in the University of Adelaide (Australia). Recently, my final year project supervisor's been asking me if I want to do PhD co-supervised by him. The FYP's CFD based and I also do casual/part-time work at a HVAC firm doing CFD RnD as well. So, I'm pretty decent for CFD compared to other students my level, and I really like it.

It'll be a direct PhD for around 3 years and fully sponsored by the uni, of course.

How critical is a PhD for working in F1/racing teams, especially in the aerodynamics department? The other issue is just the simple fact of work experience. While I'm studying my peers would be racking up the money and work experience.

Any opinions/advice? Thanks!

[Richard]

Don't get too caught up on being F1 specific. Look at Martin Whitmarsh's career path.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Whitmarsh

The key is to select a high tech field that you can excel in and where there are opportunities, if you succeed then doors will open for you. There will be a lot more people competing for fewer jobs in F1 than aerospace for example.