F1: Beyond The Grid

Bernie Collins: strategy risks, racing rewards + the pressure of the pitwall

Nov 29, 2023

Bernie Collins, a Grand Prix-winning Formula 1 strategist, discusses strategy preparation, on-track reactions, risk balance, and working with Perez, Vettel, and Button. She recalls her debut, the pressure of leading teams, and the impact of math and physics on her career. Topics also include pitwall responsibilities, tire strategy, challenges in F1 strategy, analyzing mistakes, evolution of the strategy group, diverse roles in F1, and gender diversity in the sport.

58:15

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Episode guests

Bernie Collins

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Quick takeaways

Bernie Collins discusses her unconventional route to becoming a race strategist and the importance of driver-strategist relationships.

The podcast explores the idea that some drivers excel in smaller teams while struggling with the pressure and expectations in larger teams.

The podcast highlights the strategic decisions made during Sergio Perez's impressive comeback and first Formula One Grand Prix victory.

Deep dives

Career in Formula One Strategy

Bernie Collins discusses her journey and unconventional route to becoming a race strategist, starting from her days in Formula Student and eventually joining McLaren's graduate scheme.

Introduction

3min

The Pleasures of Civilian Life and Understanding Fans' Perspective

11min

Pitwall Engineer Responsibilities and Tire Strategy

3min

Challenging Uncertainties in Formula 1 Strategy

16min

Reacting to Challenges, Analyzing Mistakes, and the Emotional Journey of Winning

3min

Evolution of the Strategy Group

11min

Discovering the Various Jobs in Formula One

3min

Reflections on Gender Diversity in Formula 1

7min

Bernie Collins: Love for the Pit Wall, Potential Return, and Listener Messages

5min

She didn’t set out to be a Grand Prix-winning Formula 1 strategist, but Bernie Collins raced to the very top. She pulled the strategy strings at Force India, Racing Point and Aston Martin, masterminded an emotional race win with Sergio Perez, and guided Sebastian Vettel to his final F1 podium.

Bernie tells Tom Clarkson how she and her fellow strategists prepared for races, reacted to the on-track action, and balanced risk and reward to get the best result possible. Bernie remembers her deep-end debut as a race strategist, how competing at the front of the field brings extra pressure, why working at one of F1’s smaller teams ‘made her career’ and what she learned working with Perez, Vettel and Jenson Button. Bernie also explains how an interest in maths and physics led her to study mechanical engineering at university, then to move into motorsport and, ultimately, reach Formula 1

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F1: Beyond The Grid

Bernie Collins: strategy risks, racing rewards + the pressure of the pitwall

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Career in Formula One Strategy

Working with Drivers

Pressure and Decision-Making in Strategy

Chaco's Emotional Resistance and Pressure

The Spectacular Sakhir 2020 Race

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts