S2, EP1 - Dr. Nikolas Tombazis - From Poacher to Gamekeeper, Defining the future of Formula 1

In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, Nikolas Tombazis discusses his journey into engineering and Formula One, starting from his passion for mathematics, physics, and design. He shares how his childhood dream of designing Formula One cars led him to pursue engineering. Tombazis also talks about his experience at Cambridge University and the freedom he enjoyed during his university years. He then delves into his decision to pursue a PhD in experimental aerodynamics and the valuable skills he gained from his research. Tombazis reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a chief aerodynamicist in Formula One, as well as the evolving role of CFD in the industry. The conversation explores the advancements in wind tunnel technology and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in Formula One. It discusses the role of CFD as a design tool and the potential for it to become the predominant tool in the future. The conversation also touches on the balance between the technical aspects of the sport and the entertainment value for fans. The importance of teamwork, leadership, and culture in Formula One teams is highlighted, as well as the challenges of maintaining success and avoiding complacency. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring Formula One professionals, emphasizing the value of a broad skill set and the potential for Formula One as a stepping stone to other industries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Season Two
03:38 Nikolas Tombazis: A Key Figure in Formula One
04:56 Early Influences and Passion for Engineering
08:52 The Journey Through Cambridge and PhD Studies
12:57 Entering Formula One: The Path to Benetton
18:25 The Evolution of Aerodynamics in Formula One
24:06 The Role of CFD and Wind Tunnel Technology
38:53 Balancing Technology and Entertainment in F1
44:47 The Future of AI in Formula One
54:56 Understanding Team Dynamics and Performance Variability
01:03:44 Advice for Aspiring Engineers in Formula One