The journey to the first ever female race engineer and what it has meant so far.

If you’ve been keeping up with the 2025 Formula 1 season, you might have noticed a new voice coming from the pit wall. The Engineer working with Haas’ Esteban Ocon during races this year is Laura Müller, the first woman race engineer in the sport. 

Laura Müller’s appointment as the first full-time female race engineer marks a significant milestone for inclusivity in the sport. Her story is one of not only an inspiring professional, but of a gradually evolving industry where women are starting to move into centre stage. 

Women in F1 Engineering: An Overview

While the history of women in Formula 1 is mostly lacking, there have been notable pioneers to make a mark, and engineering has a number of inspiring stories. Hannah Schmitz, Red Bull's principal strategy engineer, is a familiar name to most fans; and both Ruth Buscombe and Bernie Collins transitioned from strategy roles in Formula 1 teams to broadcasting. 

The presence of these women in visible roles is meaningful in paving the way for greater female participation in the sport's engineering sphere, and new initiatives like McLaren's mentorship programs and FIA's Girls on Track aim to inspire and support young women pursuing careers in motorsport engineering.

Laura Müller's Path to the Pit Wall

A native to Lake Constance, Germany, Laura Müller describes her fascination with motorsport being ignited during a gap year in Australia, where she immersed herself in the local car culture. The passion she found for the industry led her to pursue bachelor's and master's degrees in automotive engineering at the Technical University of Munich. From there, her early career started with an internship with Phoenix Racing and climbed through the ranks of World Endurance Racing and Le Mans. 

In 2022, Müller joined the Haas F1 Team, initially working with the simulator department. Her skills propelled her to supporting roles at races and finally becoming a performance engineer in 2024. Haas then rewarded her potential and performance by promoting her to race engineer for the 2025 season, pairing her with Esteban Ocon. Team Principal Ayao Komatsu praised her determination and work ethic, stating:

"Her determination is the thing that impresses me the most... She's very hardworking. Her work ethic is really, really good." (formula1.com)

The Impact of Müller's Appointment

Credit: F1 / X

Laura Müller's promotion has resonated beyond the Haas garage, as for many women in the sport or hoping to one day join it, it presents the first time they get to hear a woman communicate with a driver in a race, or see a female face in the pit wall as a Race Engineer. 

Fans on social media have expressed enthusiasm en masse for this development. With comments and tweets like:

"Seeing Laura Müller on the pit wall is a game-changer. Representation matters, and she's leading the way!” (X)

“I cannot begin to explain what this means to me. A great inspiration for women and girls hoping to pursue a career in motorsports” (instagram)

The significance of Müller's role in promoting diversity and inclusion within Formula 1 should not be underestimated; not because she is a figure of representation or a DEI checkbox, simply because she’s a skilled woman who adds value to the industry she’s in. 

Looking Ahead

Laura Müller's journey from traveller in Australia to passionate engineering student to Formula 1's first full-time female race engineer exemplifies the possibilities that arise when talent meets opportunity. Her story signifies a broader shift towards inclusivity in motorsport, and will surely have a rippling effect we aren’t yet able to see. As the 2025 season continues to unfold, Müller's performance will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of engineers, proving that the pit wall is a place for all.

In the meantime, follow the journeys of these women also making their mark in engineering in F1:

• Rosie Wait, Head of Race Strategy - Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

• Amelia Lewis, Specialist Performance Engineer - McLaren Racing.

• Christina Sullivan, Wind Tunnel Engineer - Atlassian Williams Racing. (And check out this article from Williams, highlighting their female talent here).

• Dr Kathryn Richards, Wind Tunnel Test Technician - Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

• Emmie Jones, No. 2 Heritage Mechanic - Red Bull Racing.

• …and many more!