December 2, 2022
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When you tell people you work as a Formula 1 Content Creator, they immediately envision a glamorous, high-profile job – the luxury of motorsport that takes you to circuits around the world. It's a thrilling role, especially for anyone passionate about cars and videography.
However, the reality behind the scenes can be far more nuanced.
Now in my fifth season in this fast-paced world, it’s a privilege to be in a role that fosters such creativity and collaboration and I'm fortunate to be part of a talented team producing content seen by fans on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’ll admit, the journey has been far from easy.
While my personal social media showcases moments of fun – travelling, eating, spending time with friends – the truth is that social media only reflects the highlights. We all post our best moments, but rarely do we discuss the challenges.
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I first fell in love with Formula 1 in the early 2000s, watching the races with my parents. At the time, I dreamt of becoming an F1 driver. Little did I know, just a few years later, I’d be fully immersed in the world of motorsport as a career.
After experimenting with entry-level tools, I decided to pursue college and university. While formal education isn’t a necessity in many creative roles today, it helped me realise that creativity isn’t something you can simply teach – it has to come from within.
Post-graduation, I landed my first full-time marketing role at a printing company, creating videos and animations for B2B campaigns. Though the work wasn't as exciting as shooting racing cars, it gave me valuable experience working as part of a marketing team.
Then came the pandemic. I lost my job and struggled to find another in a similar field.
During this challenging time, my mental health took a hit, and motivation was hard to come by. After countless rejections, I briefly worked with an ex-F1 driver before returning to a delivery job and customer service role. I felt like I’d lost my sense of purpose.
Then, a customer interaction, where I was verbally attacked, sparked something in me. I realised I needed to stand out if I ever wanted to work in Formula 1.
It was during these tough moments that my creativity became my anchor. In my spare time, I started creating F1-related posters and motion graphics, uploading them to LinkedIn.
"It was during these tough moments that my creativity became my anchor."
While working as a product photographer, I also focused on expanding my network. I kept creating and posting, even when time and energy were scarce.
One day, out of the blue, I received a message from the owner of a small motorsport agency - 64th & Social (the genesis of Pace Six Four). He had noticed my motivation and offered me the chance to apply for a role on an F1 account. It was a massive opportunity.
The brief was to produce three videos. I didn’t sleep that night and decided to create all three in one go. The waiting period felt like an eternity, but soon I found myself standing next to an F1 car with a top-tier camera in my hands – my dream career had begun.
Although the team at the agency welcomed me with open arms, I felt out of place initially. I questioned whether my credentials were enough for such a high-profile role. Despite these feelings, I quickly realised that part of my job was to learn on the fly.
My first F1 event was in Bahrain, and I was filled with uncertainty. Surrounded by experienced professionals, I felt like a fish out of water. Some technical difficulties I encountered only added to the pressure.
It was overwhelming, and after a few days, I found myself upset, taking stock in my hotel room. I felt as though I was giving my all and still not measuring up. My first race didn’t give me the ideal picture of life in F1.
The rest of my first season was about proving my ability to learn and adapt. With support from my friends, family, and colleagues, my confidence grew. I began to create content I was genuinely proud of.
But it wasn’t just technical skills I was grappling with. Imposter syndrome was a constant struggle. I often felt the need to defend my work, even though no-one had questioned its quality.
I spoke with my partner about my insecurities – about feeling unworthy of the opportunities I had. One of the agency’s founders, Ben Cowley, who gave me the opportunity to join the team, noticed this self-doubt.
He later told me that, despite my lack of belief in myself, he always had full faith in my potential. His belief in me has stayed with me, and it’s shaped the way I now see myself in this role.
"Imposter syndrome was a constant struggle. [Ben's] belief in me has stayed with me, and it’s shaped the way I now see myself in this role."
My advice for anyone looking to break into F1? Be proactive on LinkedIn, build your portfolio with creative projects, and keep honing your skills.
Self-belief and perseverance are crucial to success. Even if your current job isn’t related to your dream career, keep pushing forward. Work on personal projects, expand your network, and stay visible.
As I’ve come to learn, Formula 1 is unlike any other industry – high-pressure, full of moving parts, and at times quite brutal. But the truth is, every person in the paddock plays a vital role in making it all happen.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I now know that my efforts, and my place in this world, are well-earned. When you finally lift that bottle of champagne, celebrating success with the team, it’s all worth it.
Pace Six Four is a specialist motorsport agency that offers a full suite of commercial, marketing and communications services to clients across the industry.
