Lucy Gould: Mechanic at Rodin Motorsport

Lucy Gould’s journey into motorsport was not one of chance but of determination, hard work, and a clear vision for her future. Now a mechanic with Rodin Motorsport, she has gained experience across Spanish Formula 4, F1 Academy, and now, Formula 2.

Her career path reflects both the opportunities emerging for women in technical motorsport roles and the drive required to succeed in this demanding world of motorsport.

Like many aspiring mechanics, Lucy sought out formal training and found her way to The National College for Motorsport, a program designed specifically for those looking to enter the industry in technical roles. Though her time there was brief - just six weeks - it proved to be instrumental. “I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to gain work experience at Rodin Motorsport if it wasn’t for The National College for Motorsport,” she says, crediting the college’s access to Silverstone Circuit as the reason she was able to connect with the right people. The introductions she made there led to her first placement at Rodin Motorsport’s Farnham facility, setting her on the path to where she is today.

What started as a short-term work experience opportunity quickly turned into a full-time role as a Number 2 Mechanic with Rodin’s Spanish Formula 4 team. It was a steep learning curve, but one she embraced. “This was a great experience for me as I got to learn from some very knowledgeable people and meet some great people in and around the paddock,” she recalls.

Her responsibilities soon expanded, and in her second year, she continued her work with the Spanish F4 team while also taking part in the F1 Academy Female Trainee Scheme, an initiative designed to help young women gain hands-on experience in technical motorsport roles. This opportunity allowed her to develop her skills further while traveling and competing alongside F1 Academy, the all-female racing series. Having spent two years working across these junior categories, she is now preparing for the next step in her career, moving up to Formula 2 as a Number 3 Mechanic for 2025.

A race weekend for a mechanic is relentless, requiring precision, efficiency, and the ability to think quickly under pressure. As a Number 2 Mechanic, Lucy was responsible for fuelling and draining the car before and after each session, assisting the Number 1 Mechanic with repairs and setups, preparing tyres, and, when needed, jacking the front of the car and removing the front wing during a pit stop. She also played a role in the team’s communication with the driver, handling the pitboard to relay essential race information such as lap times, track position, and remaining laps.

Motorsport, she acknowledges, can be physically demanding, particularly when dealing with heavy components. “The only thing I sometimes struggle with is my strength,” she admits, though she has found ways to overcome it. “I combat that by working out and using weights.”

Despite initial concerns about how she would be perceived as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she was relieved to find that her gender was never an issue. “I was very intimidated when I started working in motorsport. I felt I was going to be treated differently due to my gender. I was wrong. Everybody I have worked alongside has been very supportive and helpful, and I don’t feel as if I’m treated differently to any of my other colleagues.”

The motorsport paddock is a high-pressure environment, but for Lucy, the sense of teamwork and mutual support has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. “It really does feel like a second family, and sometimes I spend more time with the team than at home with my own family,” she says. The broader paddock culture, too, has been welcoming, with teams often celebrating each other’s successes and offering help when needed. “The paddocks I have worked in have all been very friendly and supportive, and I have made so many friends within the industry.”

For those looking to follow a similar path, Lucy emphasizes the importance of persistence and hands-on experience. “Everybody has to start somewhere. We aren’t born with the experience, we have to learn. If you show that you’re willing to work hard and learn, teams are more likely to bring you on board.” She encourages young people to take the initiative in seeking out opportunities, whether by reaching out to local teams or applying for work experience placements. “Don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear back or you get a no, just try again. If you are passionate enough about a career in motorsport, you will get your opportunity.”

With initiatives such as the F1 Academy Female Trainee Scheme and Girls on Track UK, Lucy sees the industry becoming increasingly inclusive. “There are lots of initiatives actively taking a hands-on approach in getting women and young girls involved in motorsport and STEM subjects,” she says. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM fields from an early age, she believes, will play a crucial role in solidifying women’s presence in motorsport for the future.

Among the many experiences she has had so far, two stand out: winning Rodin Motorsport’s first race in Spanish Formula 4 and celebrating Abbi Pulling’s Drivers’ Championship victory.

“Before our win in Spanish F4, the highest a driver had placed with us had been third. So the feeling of winning a race in a championship where you are competing with over 35 other drivers and celebrating with the team is an amazing feeling.”

The championship win with Abbi Pulling was something even more special. “Winning a race is amazing to be a part of, but the feeling throughout the whole team when Abbi won the championship was incredible. Everybody’s hard work had paid off, and it was nice to celebrate the achievement with everyone at the end of the season.”

Lucy’s journey in motorsport is far from over. With her move to Formula 2, she is continuing to build on the skills she has developed over the past few years, always looking ahead to what comes next.

While she remains open to different career paths within the industry, she knows that her future lies firmly in motorsport. “I am still unsure about my final goal in the industry as there is still so much, I want to learn and experience. I would love to work in Formula 1 someday, but for now, I am focusing on developing my skills with Rodin and can see myself progressing within the team.”

Her story is one of determination, adaptability, and seizing the right opportunities at the right time. As she moves forward in her career, she continues to prove that motorsport is a place for those who are willing to work for it - regardless of where they start.