Aero Design in F1
Gain insight into the role of an Aero Designer within F1
About this Course
Aero Design in F1
This course includes
It is no secret that Aerodynamics contributes extensively to the performance of a Race Car, with Formula 1 being the prime example. What often gets overlooked is the way in which Aero Designers and Aerodynamicists work alongside each other in the Aero development process.
This course provides valuable insight into the role of an Aero Designer within F1, exploring the responsibilities and key performance considerations for the all-important Aero development at the pinnacle of motorsport. An Aero Designer plays a crucial role right through the production process and can be involved in all aspects.
In this course, you will get an opportunity to learn about the parts of the job that are not so openly discussed, along with exploring the design considerations for complex parts. Whilst this is not a CAD course primarily, you will also have a great opportunity to receive industry-level guidance when getting hands-on with the design of a Side-Wing Element using industry-leading CAD package CATIA.
Upon successful course completion, each student will receive an official Motorsport Engineer certificate. All students are free to interact with the instructor and benefit from industry networking opportunities, professional recommendations, and advice.
Duration & Difficulty
- 45 Lessons
- Advanced Difficulty
- Approximate time required to complete course: 7.5 hours
Aero Design in F1
F1 Aero Design in-depth
Designing a Side-Wing Element
Career Development
Fun Facts & Community
You are a student or professional with interest in Aero Design or Aero Development
You are a motorsport professional and want to learn about the specific techniques, methods and tasks of an Aero Designer in F1
You want to start a career in Aero Design
The Aerodynamics Design in Formula 1 course involves the use of industry-leading CATIA V5 CAD package, developed by Dassault Systèmes. This software is used by the best motorsport organisations, including Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.
Please note that the CATIA software license is not included in the price of this course and will need to be purchased separately or provided by the student.
Course reviews
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Engage with our
Aero Design community!
As a student enrolled to our courses you will have access to our exclusive Community Forums. You will be able to ask questions to your course instructor and start threat discussions in our Forums!
Your Course Instructor
Martin Buchan
- F1 Aerodynamics Design Engineer
Having worked in F1 as an Aero Designer Engineer, Martin now spends his time directing his very own Buchan Motorsport, providing a range of Motorsport products and services.
Alongside a degree in Automotive Engineering from Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (Bavaria), Martin was selected for the Junior Engineer Programme at Audi AG where he would fulfil multiple roles across different disciplines. Upon graduating, Martin stayed with Audi working as a Design Engineer.
In 2016, Martin moved to England to study for an MSc in Advanced Motorsport Engineering at Cranfield University, completing a Thesis with McLaren Applied Technologies. Upon graduating, Martin landed a job at Force India F1 team (now, Aston Martin F1) as an Aerodynamic Design Engineer, before founding Buchan Motorsport in 2020.
Course curriculum
Martin tells us about his course
A conversation with Martin Buchan (full version)
Message from the instructor
My professional background
Course overview
Aero Department Structure
Aero Development Process
Responsibilities of an Aero
Designer
Surfacing vs Model Parts
Materials & Production Methods
Module Summary
Legality
Innovative Design
Relationship between Aerodynamicists and Aero Designers
Aero Performance vs DFM
Efficient Development Processes
Trailing Edge Dilemma
Module Summary
Surfacing
- Wireframe
- Guides
- Surfaces
- Trims & Fillets
- Designing a Robust Surface Model
Model Part
- Scaling
- Holes & Joggles
Good vs Bad Design
Module Summary
Entry Requirements
Opportunities for an Aero Designer
Possible Career Developments
Module Summary
Copy the Copy
Misunderstandings
Social Activities
Module Summary
Task 1
Task 2
Lifetime access
€199.95
Access Duration: Lifetime ⓘ
Duration for which video lessons, downloadables, quizzes and assignments will be made available from the time of enrolment.
Mode of Delivery: Online ⓘ
Lessons are managed by experienced course leaders leveraging online means.
E-mail support ⓘ
We provide support throughout the duration of the course.
Certification ⓘ
A certificate will be awarded upon course completion so you can share your achievement with your network.
Interact with instructor ⓘ
Network with motorsport engineering professionals and receive the advice you are looking for.
Assignment ⓘ
Impress your course leaders by excelling at the challenges they present to you.
Watch lessons in any order ⓘ
Start from the beginning or the end - you choose!
Assignment feedback ⓘ
Receive feedback from our course leaders so you can understand areas of improvement.
Videocall with instructor ⓘ
Network with motorsport engineering professionals and receive the advice you are looking for.
Do not miss out on any news!
Add your email to the mailing list to get the latest updates.
FAQ
Every course page has a section called “This course is for you if…”, detailing who the course is designed for. If you are unsure about a specific course, please get in touch with us at info@motorsportengineer.net and we will be happy to provide further guidance.
Every course page has a section describing the syllabus. Furthermore, the detailed curriculum is also publicly available. Courses last between 8 to 20 hours, including guided lectures and individual work. Also, our courses are totally flexible and you can progress at your own pace.
Our courses can be accessed, depending on the price plan acquired, going from 2 months to lifetime access . This guarantees flexibility to the needs of every student.
If you are a group of students interested in one or more courses please contact us at info@motorsportengineer.net.
Networking is key for finding your way into any industry, and motorsport is not different. For this reason, we think that having the possibility to interact directly with instructors is vital. We have created a number of tools that will allow you to speak directly with our instructors during of the course through the platform.
Keep in mind that interesting questions will make you stand out!
Job hunting can be a stressful process filled with uncertainty. We offer a CV review process that is based on years of experience working in Formula 1 and other motorsport categories and recruiting the best talent for some of the greatest brands in the industry.
This is a private service offered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in this, please send us an email to info@motorsportengineer.net mentioning our CV review service and we will get back to you with all the information.
This is one of the most common questions we receive at our inbox.
There is not an answer that fits every single case, but here are some tips you can follow to achieve your goal.
1. Complete the Introductory Course available for free in our platform. It will give you a general idea of the motorsport industry.
2. Read our blog article 5 things every aspiring Formula 1 engineer should know.
3. Browse our Motorsport Academy for a course that catches your attention on the topic that you want to specialise in.
4. Feel free to contact us at info@motorsportengineer.net should you require further assistance.
