From Toronto to Trackside with a Passion for Motorsports
I’m Antonio from Toronto, Canada, and I’m a recent graduate of the world-renowned Cranfield’s Advanced Motorsports Engineering programme. With four years of professional motorsports experience before attending Cranfield, I used the school year to specialise in certain fields of motorsport that I was most interested in.
Cranfield graduate shares his journey and advice
Growing up in Toronto, the path of getting into professional motorsports wasn’t very straightforward due to the lack of motorsport involvement in the area. Therefore, I felt as if taking my education and credentials to the next level was essential to finding a role in a high-level motorsport organization that I would enjoy. When considering my options, it was clear that selecting Cranfield as my school of choice would be a no-brainer. In fact, the Cranfield Advanced Motorsports Engineering programme is the only motorsport programme I had applied to, as I felt it was the only programme worth the sacrifice and time.
Finding My Dream School: The Power of Reputation and Resources
To me, Cranfield’s strong reputation and connections to the industry, as well as the staff and facilities it has to offer, make the school a top choice for anyone seriously considering a career in motorsports. The programme was very enjoyable, and the course structure was certainly different to what I had experienced in the past.
Memorable Moments: A Year of Learning and Pushing Limits
There were many memorable moments from the year, the first of which was the group design project. The challenge, titled a Grand Tour of A Small Island, was a one-day event consisting of rallycross, drag racing, and two endurance races. Each group was tasked with developing a concept to compete in all the events in one day, while still remaining road-legal. The major design decision was centred around how many wheels the group’s concept would have, ranging from 2-4, and the choice was critical as each concept could only use 200kg of rubber over the entire day. My group was the only group to choose a motorcycle as a concept, which allowed me to venture into motorcycle aerodynamic design, as well as some interesting and novel CFD methodologies. Everyone walked away from the project having learned something new, which is arguably the most important thing.
Mastering a Thesis: Deep Dive into Aerodynamics and CFD
The second highlight of my year was working on my thesis. I applied RANS transition model and adaptive mesh refinement to deep dynamic stall, and most of my work was completed using OpenFOAM. With the F1 2026 regulations allowing for the actuation of the front and rear wing, I felt as if this topic would better my understanding of not only aerodynamics and CFD but would also allow me to make a novel contribution to my field. Entering the thesis period, I had never used OpenFOAM, but I was fortunate to have a fantastic supervisor, Dr. Teschner, who heads up the Computational Fluid Dynamics MSc and who really made the work of my thesis possible in the time span allotted. At its conclusion, it was rewarding to look at a thesis that not only allowed me to specialise in a one of my preferred disciplines, but I also was able to use some novel ideas to suggest some different techniques that teams should use as they approach the next set of regulations.
A Day in the Life of a Cranfield Student: Coffee, Routine, and Focus
Given that the course structure varies throughout the year, a typical day for me depended on my workload. From October to February, the taught courses had us in class from 9am to sometimes past 5pm, and I would use the evenings to study. From March to May, during the group design phase, I found myself working at home during the day and spending numerous hours at the library at night with my group members. During the thesis period, I mostly worked in my room, but I used some of the picnic tables around campus to work outside and enjoy some of the summer weather. Regardless of my schedule, a typical day on campus for me always started with a double shot of espresso. Coming from Italian heritage, I felt the need to develop a pretty impressive setup in my room, with a café sized coffee grinder, and a Gaggia Classic espresso machine. At home in Toronto, espresso always punctuated different points of the day for me, and no meal was truly over until I had one. Through all the ups and downs of the year, having a ritual of familiarity to come back to always helped keep me sane, and offered some consistency that I really enjoyed. Other than coffee, I always put emphasis on cooking good meals for myself and keeping my space clean. This helped me keep my mind decluttered, something which is important when you spend so much time studying and learning new concepts.
Back on track, bigger dreams:
At the moment, I’ve returned to R. Ferri Motorsport as a Race Engineer where I’m helping to build some of the foundations for a future GT programme with the Ferrari 296 GT3. It’s a team that helped me get my first start in motorsport, and they’ve always treated me incredibly well, so I enjoy every day of it. With that said, in a month’s time, I’m very excited to share that I’ll be starting as a Performance Engineer on the Cadillac LMDh programme. This is a dream role for me, and it’s at a level I hoped I’d be working at post-studying at Cranfield. I’m looking forward to being trackside at every IMSA or WEC event and being a part of the driver in the loop simulation sessions. Furthermore, I get to continue to develop my trackside methodologies, while learning from some incredibly knowledgeable and experienced colleagues. I’m a big proponent of continuous learning, even after your schooling is finished, and I know this is a role which will require me to not only learn every day, but to push myself to a new level as we all work towards victory.
Life at Cranfield: Exploring the UK and Embracing New Experiences
The UK is beautiful, and while attending Cranfield, you’ll certainly have some spare time to travel and experience all of it. Getting into London from campus only takes and hour, which allows for weekend trips when your schedule allows for it. Obviously, the difference in climate from Toronto takes some time to get used to, but it’s not necessarily as bad as everyone makes it out to be.
Looking Forward: Reaching Milestones and Embracing the Journey
In every interview I participated in this past year, I was asked, “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?” My answer to that was always that I wanted to return trackside, potentially in a race or performance engineering position, depending on the series. Currently, I’m on track (pun intended) to do just that, and I’m happy to be reaching some milestones I set out for myself, potentially even earlier than expected. Having goals and aspirations is important, but learning to enjoy the journey and being thankful for where you already are is arguably even more critical. The concept of a goal suggests that, once you reach it, you’ve completed your mission and you’ll be happy because of it. In reality, once you achieve something, you’ll always be left wondering what's next. It’s imperative that occasionally, you take some time to reflect on where you are, what you’re doing, and to compare how your future looks, to how you expected it to be. If, when I was 18, you would have told me that I would have lived in three countries and studied abroad, all before turning twenty-five, I would have absolutely not believed you.
Advice for aspiring motorsports engineers:
Aspire to be the best at what you do, and take things day by day from there, and you might just find yourself in places you would have never imagined. I get weekly messages on LinkedIn asking me how I got into motorsport, and what steps one should take to do the same. In my opinion, you need to exploit what makes you different, and you need to consider what makes you valuable to a team. As one of my previous colleagues explained to me “Everyone wants to get into a racing team saying that they’ll even offer to sweep the floor, but the reality is, there are 100 people lined up to do the same. What do you have to offer?” One of the most important things you can do is understand the fundamentals of the field you’re looking to work in, as no amount of experience can make up for not understanding the basics.
Build a strong foundation:
Reading books such as RCVD by Milliken and Milliken, and The Science of Vehicle Dynamics by Massimo Guiggiani are a must. Understanding race car data analysis and the best way to represent a data set, and being fluent in the analysis software is also very important, which is why I recommend the book Analysis Techniques for Racecar Data Acquisition by Jorge Segers.
Develop coding expertise:
Software such as Motec I2Pro, Pi Toolbox, and Bosch WinDarab are free to download and use, and represent the most widely used programmes in the industry. Something that I also believe is very important currently is one’s ability to code. Languages such as MATLAB, C++, Python, and SQL are a good set to start learning. At the highest levels of motorsport, the best teams are consistently creating their own tools, analysis software, and use code to post process data quickly and efficiently. Time is always a luxury in motorsport and taking some of repetitive workload off yourself such as post session KPI plots and basic competitor analysis, can free you up to do other things that require more thought and rigorous analysis. Furthermore, being able to effectively store and manipulate data sets to look at long term trends, and to create empirical correlations for certain parameters, is critical.
Network and show initiative:
As for getting into a racing organisation, this can be a bit more difficult. One of the best ways to do so is to show up to your local track during race weekend and speak to team’s face to face while handing out CVs. If you’re competent, highly driven, and willing to learn, you’ll likely find something as teams are always looking for extra help. I got my start volunteering my time, but it paid dividends, and I would not be where I am today without making that initial sacrifice.
The Power of Teamwork and Communication:
Also, don’t underestimate the value of taking on other tasks that aren’t engineering related. During my first Ferrari Challenge race weekend, aside from some engineering work, I spent time helping with tyre preparation and refuelling. This helped understand what the roles of my teammates entailed, which now helps me improve my communication as a race engineer. As an example, because of that work, I’m conscious of the time it takes to have a new set of slicks prepared, so I must plan a few sessions ahead with the tyre team to ensure we have the desired tyre sets ready available. Furthermore, I’m aware of the time it takes to pump out and refuel the car, and how gruelling it can be to spend the whole day in a fire suit in the heat of the summer. I also learned that if you show respect for the people you work with, they will show respect for you. After spending time race engineering, you’ll come to realise that how you communicate with your team and remain calm when things don’t go to plan, is just as important as how fancy your Excel spreadsheets are.
Sharing Knowledge:
A fun fact about me is that I have a motorsports blog that features race engineering focused articles. I have always felt grateful for my previous experiences in racing, and I want to pay that forward by sharing some of my knowledge with others who are as eager to learn as I was when I first started. Writing the articles also allows me to explore new topics, while staying sharp in areas I’m already knowledgeable in. With the research and reading I do in preparation for the post writing; I feels as if it’s an opportunity for me to learn as much as it is to teach others.
- Antonio
From Theory to Leading the Way: Simrat's Robotics Journey 🚀
Simrat, an Indian national, came to the UK to pursue an MSc in Robotics at Cranfield University. Now, he's a Lead Robotics and AI Engineer at Swift Robotics, applying everything he learnt. We caught up with him to talk about his transformative experience, the power of hands-on learning and his ambitions to define the future of human-robot collaboration.
Why Cranfield? Beyond the Classroom
For Simrat, the choice to study at Cranfield wasn't just about the name; it was about the applied experience. "I chose Cranfield because of its strong reputation for industry-focused research and its close collaboration with leading technology and robotics companies," he shares. The hands-on learning, including labs and real-world projects, was a major draw.
Specifically, the MSc in Robotics was the perfect fit. "I wanted a course that goes beyond just programming robots, focusing instead on designing intelligent systems that can collaborate safely and effectively with humans," Simrat explains. The curriculum's balance, which included no exams and a focus on assignments and projects, perfectly aligned with his desire for practical application and deep understanding.
Real-World Ready: The Cranfield Difference
Simrat found the course to be highly engaging, balancing essential theory (kinematics, autonomy, AI) with extensive practical work. A key highlight was the emphasis on real-world problem-solving and collaboration.
"The industrial group project gave me a great insight into the industry and the freedom to choose my thesis project helped me implement those insights later."
This practical focus immediately translated into his career. "The course prepared me for the real world by giving me direct exposure to industrial practices from the very beginning. In the first week itself, we were interacting with and coding real industrial robots," he recalls. This, combined with guest lectures from industry leaders like Airbus, provided the confidence and skills to excel in an industrial environment.
Simrat’s career ambitions were significantly influenced by Cranfield's focus on smart technology. "This perspective has motivated me to pursue a career in developing human-centred robotic systems that combine automation with adaptability and learning," he says. That motivation now sees him leading a team in the exciting field of Human-Robot Interaction.
Life as a Robotics Engineer
Simrat is currently the Lead Robotics and AI Engineer at Swift Robotics. "It’s a very exciting role where I’m responsible for developing and integrating intelligent robotic systems," he says. The role is fast-paced, innovation-driven, and demands constant learning -a perfect extension of his studies.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Simrat’s journey is far from over. His future aspirations include pursuing a PhD in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, specifically to deepen his research into human-robot collaboration. Alongside this, he plans to launch his own robotics startup. "My long-term vision is to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial innovation, turning advanced robotics ideas into practical technologies that improve people’s lives," he states.
His advice to future students in smart technology is simple yet crucial: "Don’t rush through the learning process." He encourages students to master the fundamentals, make full use of the world-class labs, and not hesitate to explore personal projects. "Taking initiative and being curious are what really help you grow in this field."
- Simrat
A perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application
I am a passionate and ambitious individual who recently achieved a significant milestone during my time studying at Cranfield University. I was the first in my family to study abroad and had the opportunity to live my dream, interning at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in London. From a young age, I always aspired to work in London and contribute to a globally renowned company. My journey had been filled with challenges and triumphs, shaping me into the determined person I am today.
I pursued an MSc in Management, which offered a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Highlights included an industrial project in Spain with Deloitte, serving as a Career Service Representative, which enhanced my networking and leadership skills. A key moment was securing an internship at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, where I worked in procurement and strategic management. These experiences enriched my learning, preparing me for real-world challenges that I face today.
Prior to Cranfield, I worked as a Senior Business Development Associate at Planet Spark, where I developed marketing strategies and exceeded targets. Additionally, I gained experience as an HR Manager at Taxkamkar, a Marketing Intern at a Pharmacy, and a Researcher for All About Happiness, which broadened my professional and personal skill set.
Adjusting to a new country and rigorous academic programs tested my emotional strength. Learning to live independently, cook, and make new friends transformed me personally and professionally. Engaging in practical learning, like writing a thesis on a real company, enriched my academic experience.
My internship at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners focussed on ‘Alternative Fuels Mapping in Europe’, contributing to the company’s sustainability strategy. I was tasked to research fuel options, evaluate supply chains, and develop a mid-term strategy for transitioning Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to sustainable fuels. Career Development Managers at Cranfield, along with Course Director Michael Dickmann, provided invaluable guidance in securing this role. Modules like Strategic Management and Leading Corporate Sustainability were particularly instrumental in my success. I am also deeply thankful to Roberto Di Nuzzo – MBA, Dr. Mikko Arevuo, Alex Stimson, and Katrina Armstrong for their encouragement and support along the way.
To this day, my aim is to continue maximising learnings from my internship and contributing effectively to sustainability initiatives. Recently achieving a distinction in my MSc in Management has been an incredible milestone, reinforcing my dedication to this field. My long-term aspiration is to secure a management role where I can drive impactful sustainability strategies, leveraging both my academic achievements and diverse experiences.
Advice for prospective students:
- Embrace opportunities: Participate in industrial projects and campus events to broaden your horizons.
- Seek support: Utilise the guidance of faculty and career development managers.
- Get involved: Take on roles that develop leadership and networking skills.
- Pursue internships: Apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
- Stay resilient: Persevere through challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
I hope my story inspires others, especially women in my country, to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
“With dedication, support, and opportunities, anything is possible.”
- Khushbu
Empower your curiosity
Curiosity isn’t just a desire to know; it’s that itch to dig deeper, to ask “why” and “how” until things make sense. It’s what sent humans to the Moon and sparked scientific breakthroughs. For me, curiosity means never stopping at surface-level explanations. It’s the engine that makes learning exciting and turns challenges into invitations to explore.
What lights my curiosity?
It clicked for me early on that almost everything we rely on, cars, microwaves, planes, even the heating in winter, exists because engineers imagined and built solutions. That simple realisation still fires me up: technology isn’t just cool gadgets; it’s a tool for making life safer, more comfortable and sustainable. When I see a device improve someone’s day, my mind races with questions. How do those gears work together? What makes an electronic circuit so powerful? Why does one design succeed while another fails? This natural inquisitiveness drives me to understand, tweak and improve the world around me.
This mindset becomes especially energising when something goes wrong. In one undergraduate project at Cardiff University, our robotic vehicle refused to go straight. Instead of giving up, I tackled it like a mystery novel: could the sensors be misreading the environment? Did we introduce a bug in the code? Were the wheels misaligned? Each possibility led me down a new path, taught me new techniques, and reinforced the idea that curiosity and resilience go hand in hand. When I face a challenge, I see not frustration but a chance to learn.
Finding Mechanical Engineering
My path into mechanical engineering began with a small water pump I saw on a trip to a rural area. Nothing fancy, just some metal, gears and physics, but it delivered clean water and improved lives immeasurably. That moment made it clear that engineering solutions have a direct impact on people. From then on, I became the kid who opened up appliances to see what was inside. That urge to touch, tinker and understand naturally steered me toward mechanical engineering, where physical systems and creative problem-solving collide.
Studying mechanical engineering has only deepened that curiosity. It’s a field that spans nano-materials, energy systems, robotics and everything in between. One week, I’m learning how materials behave at micro scales; the next, I’m calculating energy flows in large renewable systems. The beauty is that these aren’t just abstract theories; what I learn in a lecture can be applied in a lab or workshop to build something real. That blend of theory and hands on application keeps me hooked.
Curiosity in practice at Cranfield
At Cranfield University, curiosity isn’t just encouraged, it’s a way of life. One of the most rewarding experiences was collaborating with Network Rail on a group project. Our task was to assess the carbon footprint of road-rail vehicles (RRVs) machines that travel on both roads and railway tracks and to build a method for estimating their emissions. We spent months digging into over 750,000 shift records, analysing how machine types, work activities, and client roles affected fuel use. Each insight raised new questions: How do different tasks affect energy use? What happens when data is incomplete? Using a mix of real-world data, engine specs, and emission factors, we built a model that helps Network Rail better understand and eventually cut these hidden emissions. In the end, we created a detailed model and a roadmap to cut emissions, aligning with Network Rail’s goal of a net-zero railway by 2050. The project showed me how curiosity and engineering skills can contribute to a national sustainability goal.
My individual thesis project with Nissan takes this curiosity into the future. I’m investigating innovative uses for vehicle to grid (V2G) technology, where electric vehicles don’t just draw power from the grid but can also send electricity back. Nissan’s recent announcement that it will introduce affordable bidirectional charging on select EV models starting in 2026 makes this research particularly timely. V2G systems could allow owners to power their homes or support the grid during peak demand.
The focus of my research is to investigate how different configurations of home energy systems, such as existing solar PV, home batteries, and smart charging, interact with V2G systems. That means reading not only engineering papers but also energy policies, market analyses and software algorithms for optimising charging schedules. It’s an interdisciplinary puzzle, part mechanical, part electrical, part economic, and that complexity is precisely what keeps me engaged. Knowing that the technology is moving from research to reality in the next few years adds urgency and excitement.
Cranfield’s environment amplifies this spirit. Professors and industry mentors challenge us to dig deeper while giving us the freedom to chase promising ideas. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds, so conversations after class often spark new questions and perspectives. The culture here rewards asking, “what if” and “why not,” which fuels our collective curiosity.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on this journey, I see curiosity as my constant companion. It’s what made me take apart appliances as a kid, what motivates me to comb through research papers today and what will keep me learning long after I graduate. In a rapidly evolving field like engineering, that trait isn’t optional; it’s essential. New challenges like climate change, sustainable energy and artificial intelligence demand fresh ideas and relentless questioning. Curiosity empowers me to face problems not with dread but with optimism that answers exist if we keep searching.
If there’s one lesson I’d share, it’s this: Embrace your curiosity. Ask yourself what makes you wonder, and then follow that thread. Whether you’re an engineer, an artist or a manager, asking questions means you’re always growing, constantly adapting and always ready to make a positive impact. That’s not just good for your career; it’s good for the world.
- Jaimin
