Gautham Ramesh, Singapore’s first Formula One engineer, brings cutting-edge aerodynamics to life remotely.
From his modest HDB maisonette in eastern Singapore, Gautham Ramesh is engineering some of the fastest machines in the world. A trio of monitors serves as his gateway to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models, while a secure VPN connects him to a massive data center housing 60,000 cores of computing power. His work directly impacts the Williams Formula One (F1) team, stationed across the globe in Oxfordshire, England. There, engineers use Gautham’s simulations to refine aerodynamics, ensuring their cars are ready to compete in one of the most demanding motorsport arenas.
At 36, Gautham is the only Singaporean in the F1 engineering world, and he’s doing it remotely—a first for the industry.
In the high-stakes world of F1, aerodynamics is king. Cars sit low to the ground to achieve optimal stability and downforce, crucial for mastering corners at incredible speeds. Yet, air behaves unpredictably, making even the smallest misstep costly. Gautham’s expertise lies in predicting how air interacts with every curve and component of the car. A mere 5mm adjustment in floor height can significantly alter performance. “A tiny component breaking off can lead to substantial performance loss,” he explains. This constant interplay between precision and unpredictability fuels Gautham’s passion for his work.
While drivers get only eight hours of on-track testing per season, the groundwork is laid long before. Gautham’s simulations enable aerodynamicists to evaluate and refine car designs, balancing speed and stability.
Unlike most F1 engineers based in the UK, Gautham works from his HDB flat. His unconventional setup is a product of changing times and global challenges. The pandemic proved remote work’s feasibility, and Gautham seized the opportunity in 2021 to rejoin Williams while staying in Singapore. Though his work hours stretch from noon to midnight, he values the balance of pursuing his dream career without leaving his homeland.
Gautham’s journey to F1 began at age 11 when cable TV introduced him to the world of motorsport. While becoming a driver was out of reach, his fascination with aerodynamics set him on a path toward engineering. Facing skepticism and limited automotive exposure in Singapore, he forged his path by studying mechanical engineering locally before pursuing further studies in the UK. A determined Gautham cold-emailed F1 teams for internship opportunities, eventually landing a project with Williams in 2012. His persistence paid off, leading to roles with Marussia, Lotus, and Scuderia Toro Rosso before his return to Williams.
F1 isn’t all champagne sprays and podium celebrations. Gautham has witnessed the financial struggles of teams like Lotus, even facing debt collectors during his tenure. Yet, moments like Romain Grosjean’s surprise podium finish in the 2015 Belgian Grand Prix keep him motivated. Although Williams remains at the bottom of the standings, Gautham sees progress. The team has reduced the performance gap, shaving off critical seconds—an eternity in F1.
Gautham’s success has paved the way for other Singaporeans in F1 engineering. He emphasizes the importance of goal-setting and relentless pursuit, tempered by the understanding that luck also plays a role. “Not everything will fall into place, but you owe it to yourself to give it your best shot,” he says.
From a childhood dream to a groundbreaking career, Gautham Ramesh proves that even the most improbable ambitions can take flight with focus, tenacity, and a bit of serendipity.
