In today's podcast, I speak with McLaren's Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Daniel Gallo, to find out what it takes to thrive at one of motorsport's most prestigious teams.
For those dreaming of a career in Formula 1, his insights offer a fascinating glimpse into life at McLaren.
You can watch the interview on YouTube (below) or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
What Makes a Successful McLaren F1 Team Member?
The McLaren Mindset
While there's no single template for success at McLaren, certain qualities stand out. The team values resilience above all - you'll need to flourish under pressure and embrace tight deadlines.
"We're not a nine-to-five organisation," Gallo notes, explaining that the demanding nature of F1 requires stamina and deep commitment.
Perhaps surprisingly, the most crucial attribute isn't technical brilliance but a collaborative spirit. With 1,300 people working together to put two cars on the grid, teamwork is fundamental.
Individual stars matter less than team players who can work across disciplines to deliver results.
What really catches the eye is Gallo's emphasis on mindset. He's looking for optimists who see setbacks as learning opportunities.
"Success is never linear," he explains, suggesting that the ability to stay positive through challenges matters as much as technical skills.
Beyond the Pit Wall
While most people picture mechanics and engineers when they think of F1, McLaren offers far broader opportunities. The engineering team develops concepts into reality, while the manufacturing group brings these designs to life across several UK sites.
The race team - the faces you see on TV - represents just one part of McLaren. Behind them stands a commercial department handling everything from sponsorship to social media, plus traditional business functions like finance and sustainability.
Looking After Their Own
With 24 races per season, McLaren takes staff wellbeing seriously.
Their new Optimum Nutrition Performance Hub showcases this commitment, offering:
- Modern gym facilities
- Top-tier medical support
- Nutrition guidance
- Mental health resources
The team manages travel schedules carefully and provides comprehensive support both at base and trackside to prevent burnout.
Fresh Talent Welcome
McLaren actively seeks diverse talent through several routes:
- Apprenticeships
- Graduate schemes
- Return-to-work programmes
- STEM education partnerships
Their "60 Scholars Programme" supports young women in STEM, while their returnship programme helps experienced professionals restart their careers, with 60% of participants finding industry employment.
Interested in Joining?
McLaren's new careers website offers a wealth of information about opportunities across the team.
You'll find details about:
- Current vacancies
- Early career programmes
- Employee experiences
- Life at McLaren
For those considering a career in F1, the message is clear: McLaren values diverse backgrounds and perspectives, but you'll need resilience, optimism and team spirit to succeed in this demanding yet rewarding environment.
