Career Spotlight: Mia Bickerton-Jones, Junior Engineer at Hitech TGR

When looking to find those extra tenths on track, the relationship between a driver and their engineer is pinnacle to success. For most drivers, that bond develops over the course of a season or more, but for Mia Bickerton-Jones, Junior Engineer at Hitech TGR, her challenge is unique amongst the grid.

Teaming up with the Wild Card entry, she has a new driver at the helm for every round. We caught up with Bickerton-Jones to get her the lowdown on her path to the paddock and how invested crew members become in the success of their team.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A RACE WEEKEND?

“Going through the last session’s data, looking through the last year's race — not here (in Canada) — and catching up on sleep.”

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE WEEKEND LOOK LIKE AT THE TRACK?

“Checking all the set-ups, going for our track walk and meeting the driver as they’re a Wild Card. Doing FP1, checking all the data, checking the set-ups. Quali and then, relaxing for Race 1 and Race 2, hopefully.”

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS YOU NEED?

“Patience and attention to detail (for the) drivers and data.”

WHERE DID YOU WORK BEFORE YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

“I worked at Alpine as a Composite Engineer and at Williams as a Composite Apprentice. I worked at Richardson Racing as a Porsche Engineer and for Hitech in GB3 as a Junior Engineer. Is that everyone? I think so.”

READ MORE: Esmee Kosterman to represent TeamViewer as F1 ACADEMY Wild Card entry in Zandvoort

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY AND HOW DID THAT HELP YOU ON YOUR CAREER PATH?

“I am currently studying my motorsport Bachelors in Science degree, which I'm very behind on because we're always away. I studied four engineering GCSEs, three business and then for A-Level, I did 3 engineering A-Levels, so pretty boring. I loved it!

“Doing this, working at Alpine in the week and trying to do a part-time degree is hell. But it’ll be worth it, it’ll be good in the end.”

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR JOB?

“Watching the cars on track and especially if you're doing well, watching the car that you've had an input in actually do something.”

WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE OR A CHALLENGE THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT?

“How emotionally invested you get in the car, the driver and the series. How much you want everything to go smoothly isn't just a professional aspect anymore, it's your entire being for the week.”

READ MORE: TEAM TALK: Getting to know MP Motorsport teammates Weug, Larsen and Ciconte

ANY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR?

“Working with Rob de Haan on his winning Championship in Porsches and all the crew. It was amazing, I love Rob and he’s so fast. He's going do amazing things, such a sweet little lad as well. Well, he's not little, he's six foot seven or something.”

IS THERE ANYONE IN MOTORSPORT WHO INSPIRED YOU OR SUPPORTED YOU?

“My uncle, 100%. Gavin, (he’s a) brilliant Engineer, brilliant Team Manager and my biggest inspiration. Always helpful.

“If I message him about motorsport gossip, he goes ‘don’t get involved’. Sometimes I text him asking for advice on the track that we're going to, and he gives me some good tips like watch out for headwind in this corner or tailwind in this corner. He’s handy.”

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE FUNNIEST MOMENTS YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IN THE INDUSTRY?

“So much funny stuff happens every day. The general camaraderie and the banter is high.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT EMBARKING ON A CAREER IN MOTORSPORT?

“Do your degree while you're not working full-time! I wish I'd known that this is what I wanted to do when I was younger. I wish I'd done more work experience in different aspects of motorsport. I always knew was motorsport (that I wanted to work in), but I mistakenly went into composites and I've ended up doing that for five years now.”