Renault F1 Team explores the world of offshore energy

The chance to visit a North Sea oil rig is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Not just anyone is granted access to these megastructures of the sea and admittance is a strictly guarded privilege. So, when ING Renault F1 Team third driver Romain Grosjean and demonstration driver Adam Khan were offered the chance to spend the day on one of TOTAL’s flagship oil platforms, they jumped at the opportunity.

To make the trip a reality, Romain and Adam travelled to Scotland to prepare for their special visit to Alwyn North, an oil platform situated 440km off the coast of Aberdeen in the North Sea. Such is the remoteness of the Alwyn oil fields that access is only by helicopter, and it’s a four-hour round-trip to reach the isolated civilisation of engineers, scientists and technicians that call Alwyn North ‘home’.

The helicopter ride is an event in itself as both Romain and Adam are kitted out in safety gear comprising skin-tight dry suits, life vests and breathing equipment, just in case the unthinkable should happen. As Formula 1 drivers they’re well used to wearing safety clothing, but even Romain Grosjean is surprised at the snugness of his suit: “I wouldn’t want it any tighter,” he says with a smile, “I’ve lost the feeling in my hands!”

The discomfort of the safety gear is a small price to pay for the chance to visit the men and women who help produce the fuel and lubricants that allow Romain and Adam to blast around the racetracks of the world. As such, the trip to Alwyn is not only the chance to see one of the world’s most remarkable man-made structures, but also the perfect opportunity to say a personal ‘thank you’ to TOTAL’s workforce. “It’s important that we come out and see where the products that TOTAL provide to the team come from,” says Adam Khan as he steps onto the rig’s helipad. “You see the TOTAL logo on the car but you forget how much work goes on behind the scenes, which is why today is such an eye-opening experience.”

The scale of the operation is the thing that surprises the drivers as they begin their personal tour of the rig with Avep Disasmita, the Offshore Installation Manager. The particular rig they are visiting consists of two platforms connected by a 70-metre steel bridge with each platform boasting a surface area of 1800m2 and combined weight of 35,000 tonnes. It’s basically a small city in the middle of the sea: a bespoke facility capable of drilling, pumping and processing oil and gas from the rich fields that lie 130 metres below sea level.

“Seeing such an enormous structure rising out of the sea really took my breath away,” says Romain. “I knew oil rigs were big as I’ve seen photos, but when you’re actually standing here you really appreciate the size, the complexity and just how well engineered it is.”

It’s during the tour that Romain and Adam realise that although the rig may be a world away from normality, there are striking similarities between the offshore environment and the world of Formula 1. Both require remarkable engineering prowess and unite a workforce with one common aim: to push and redefine the boundaries of what is possible. “To see everybody on the rig carrying out their specific jobs reminded me of a Formula 1 Team,” confirms Adam. “All the components are there: the engineers, the technology and team-spirit, which are also the key ingredients of a Formula 1 team. You can really see a lot of similarities.”

After seeing the outside of the rig, the drivers are hurried inside for lunch in the canteen followed by an exploration of the living quarters. It’s an impressive set-up with everything you’d expect to find in your average hotel, including an unrivalled sea view! There’s a gym, cinema, and games room complete with full-size snooker and pool tables. Romain and Adam immediately pick up a cue and have a quick game with the helicopter pilots who are relaxing before the return flight. Then it’s time for some table football as the competitive spirit of our Formula 1 drivers becomes apparent.

But before Romain and Adam can finish their match, it’s time to continue the tour and meet the rest of the Alwyn workforce with a relaxed presentation in the cinema, followed by a Q&A and autograph session. All too soon it’s time to leave and the drivers bid farewell to the crew grateful for the chance to see behind the scenes of this unique environment. They both leave with a newfound respect and appreciation of the work that goes on to provide the energy that we take for granted everyday.

“It was great to meet the workforce and they were all very enthusiastic about Formula 1,” says Adam as he reflects on the day. “Seeing the amazing lives they lead and fully understanding their role as a key component in helping determine the performance of our Formula 1 cars was fascinating. It has been a real privilege to come here and see the whole operation for myself.”