Rob Smedley: Striving for F1 success & pushing Felipe Massa to his limits
Mar 7, 2024
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Former F1 engineer Rob Smedley discusses his time with Felipe Massa at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton's potential move to Ferrari, and the importance of strong relationships between engineers and drivers in Formula 1.
Building strong relationships with drivers is crucial for success in Formula One.
Understanding vehicle dynamics and driver psychology is essential for optimizing performance in F1.
Deep dives
Rob Smedley's Journey to Formula One
Rob Smedley, an engineering legend known for his work at Jordan, Williams, and Ferrari, shared insights into his journey in Formula One. Starting from his fascination with racing at Silverstone to his experience working with iconic drivers like Felipe Massa and Rubens Barrichello, Smedley highlighted the dynamic and challenging nature of the sport.
The Role of a Race Engineer
Smedley delved into the multifaceted role of a race engineer, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with drivers. He discussed the need for a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics and driver psychology, highlighting the essential balance between technical knowledge and interpersonal skills in optimizing performance.
Lewis Hamilton's Move to Ferrari
Analyzing Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, Smedley expressed optimism about the transition. He highlighted the unique passion of Ferrari fans and the potential for Hamilton to elevate the team's performance. Smedley addressed considerations for Hamilton in terms of team dynamics and emphasized the significance of fostering a strong driver-engineer relationship in achieving success.
This week, David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan sit down with former Jordan Grand Prix, Ferrari and Williams engineer Rob Smedley. The Brit reminisces about his time with Felipe Massa and Rubens Barrichello at Ferrari and believes seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton can bring back the glory days to Ferrari.
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