Jennifer Chau: Team Coordinator of MP Motorsport

In the high-speed world of formula racing, the spotlight often shines on the drivers and engineers. Yet behind the scenes, a network of professionals ensures seamless operations, managing logistics, coordination, and team support. Among them is Jennifer Chau, a key figure in motorsport logistics, currently serving as Team Coordinator for MP Motorsport. Through perseverance, networking, and a passion for problem-solving, she has become an essential force in multiple junior formulas.

Chau’s initial aspirations weren’t rooted in motorsport. While studying marketing and international business at the University of Auckland in New Zealand she envisioned a career in advertising or design. However, a chance involvement with the university’s Formula Student team changed her trajectory. "That’s actually when I realised it was quite a cool industry to get into," she recalls.

Eager to explore opportunities, Chau sought out roles in New Zealand’s Toyota Racing Series (now the Formula Regional Oceania Championship). Volunteering was her first step in understanding the intricacies of motorsport operations. "I kind of knew I wanted to do some sort of coordination, but I just didn’t really know how it all worked" she admits. By actively networking and learning from event coordinators, she gained experience that would set the foundation for her future roles.

After graduating, Chau and her partner, an engineer, moved to the United States, where she continued knocking on doors. Volunteering for IndyCar teams and maintaining a connection with Formula Regional Oceania allowed her to build a strong resume. "I think networking was a big part of it" she reflects. "One job led to another, and I got recommended by people I worked with in New Zealand."

Now at MP Motorsport, Chau’s role spans across multiple junior formulas, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and various feeder series. Managing logistics across different championships simultaneously is no small feat. "My base role is just logistics: flights, hotels, rentals, catering, accreditation" she explains. "Making sure everyone is where they should be, everything runs smoothly."

Her work ensures that the teams remain organized and efficient across a packed calendar. With races held globally, coordinating travel, accommodations, and schedules for an entire team is a monumental task. "It’s about more than just getting people from point A to point B; it’s making sure they’re where they need to be at the right time, with everything they require to perform their roles effectively."

Beyond travel, Chau also manages deliveries, oversees team kits, and works closely with suppliers to ensure everything arrives on time. "There’s a lot of little extras, but my core role is logistics" she adds. Her adaptability has also allowed her to step into additional responsibilities when needed, such as media coordination and photography during COVID-19 when travel restrictions meant teams had fewer staff at races. Chau’s diverse skill set and relentless drive to learn have been instrumental in her success, allowing her to thrive in an industry that demands adaptability, precision, and unwavering dedication.

Chau is also part-owner of Kiwi Motorsport, a team competing in New Zealand’s Toyota Racing Series. She and her partner acquired a share of the team, recognizing the sentimental value it held as their first step into motorsport. "It was quite nice, it’s also where my partner started in racing, so we thought, why don’t we buy it?" While her primary focus remains with MP Motorsport, she occasionally takes a more active role in special events, such as the Macau Grand Prix. "That was an experience I couldn’t say no to, it was incredible". 

Having spent seven years in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 paddocks, Chau has witnessed the slow but steady increase of women in the industry. "When I first started, there were fewer than five women in the paddock" she remembers. "Now, almost every team has at least one woman, whether in PR, logistics, or even engineering and mechanics. It’s nice to see."

The surge in motorsport’s popularity, largely credited to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, hasn’t gone unnoticed by Chau. "I have friends and family who had no interest in racing, and now they know more than me after watching it!" she laughs.

Despite the progress, she acknowledges the challenges of working in a male-dominated environment. "You do tend to adapt to the atmosphere, maybe it’s locker-room talk or just the guy’s environment, but you learn to navigate it." However, the growing support network of women in the paddock has made a difference. "We actually have a group, where we help each other and support each other. It’s really nice to have that."

With a role as demanding as hers, Chau has learned to handle high-pressure situations with composure. "I’ve been told I’m quite calm under stress, which helps" she notes. "I break problems down piece by piece rather than looking at them as one overwhelming issue." This mindset has allowed her to thrive in a field where split-second decisions can make or break a race weekend.

As for future goals, Chau is content for now,  with where she is. "This is always where I wanted to get to, and I thoroughly love my job" she says. While Formula 1 might seem like the next logical step for many in her position, Chau values the variety and hands-on nature of junior categories. "In F1, roles are more specialized. Here, I get to be involved in everything - logistics, travel, driver coordination, media. I really enjoy that."

Outside of work, Chau finds solace in baking. "The guys love it because I bring what I bake to work," she laughs. For her, baking is a form of relaxation, a contrast to the fast-paced world of motorsport. Her dog, Sergio the sausage dog, is another source of joy for Chau, you can follow Sergio’s instagram account @sergiothesausagedog!

Jennifer Chau’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and passion. From a marketing student to a key player in one of motorsport’s top junior teams, her journey serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to enter the industry. "You just have to keep trying," she encourages. "It takes time, but if it’s something you truly want, you’ll get there."

Additionally, please enjoy some paddock pictures of Sergio the Sausage dog 😉