Ryan Clabon, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
Key Facts
Ryan trackside with Atlassian Williams Racing
Current role: Trackside Power Unit Engineer
Company: Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
Country: UK
Years competing: 2011-2014
Starting Out
“I got involved in STEM Racing through my high school - it was included as part of the curriculum of my GCSE in Engineering. After competing for a year as part of my GCSE's, the team and I got hooked on the competition, going up against like-minded individuals. We knew we had more to give, so competed again during our A-Levels as an extracurricular activity.
STEM Racing was very interesting for us; taking a set of regulations and a blank sheet of paper and turning them into a correctly engineered and tested car that we were proud to take to competition was unlike anything we had done before.”
Rising through the ranks
“My STEM Racing journey started somewhat poorly, but in a way that ultimately proved motivating. Although it was a long time ago, I still remember the day vividly. Our bus broke down on the way to the Regional Finals in the East Midlands in 2011, meaning we arrived late, and to add to our disappointment, we finished 12th.
On the (now repaired and reliable) bus journey home, my team and I decided we would not let that result define our STEM Racing careers. Instead, we formed Red Set Racing and immediately began work on our car for the following year.
When we returned to the Regional Finals the next year, we were a far more polished and prepared team. This improvement was reflected in our performance - we finished 1st and achieved the Fastest Car Award. Our momentum continued, and just over a month later we became UK National Champions, once again recording the fastest car.
In November 2013, we travelled to the World Finals in Austin. On Day 1, we ended the competition with the fastest car. Day 2 was more challenging, as our car appeared to lose some pace. However, on Day 3, as the leading UK team, we were selected to compete in “The Ashes” against the top Australian team, which we won.
We ultimately finished 6th overall. While this result was initially disappointing, we felt an immense sense of pride and satisfaction in everything we had achieved.”
Ryan and his team, Red Set Racing, at the World Finals in Austin
Red Set Racing’s pit display at the World Finals
Lessons Learned
“Early on we realised that the competition really does embrace the method of the industry to make a well engineered product. Doing concept design and understanding what might be of importance or what other teams have done; simulating and/or using calculations to prove the engineering behind the designs to give the correct direction for the fastest car; testing and refining the design through various forms of physical testing; and then using all of this information to feedback right to the start.
This gave me some key mindsets that I still live and work by today:
1. Iterative Process: Design and engineering is an iterative process, where the car or individual parts will get better with time, effort, and good engineering. Your first design is rarely the best that you can do.
2. Perseverance: The big gains will come relatively easily, but finding those smaller gains when the going gets tougher is difficult. But stick with it, the rewards will come.
3. Enjoyment. It's super important to step back at frequent points throughout the journey to the competition and afterwards, and reflect on the achievements that the team has made. No two teams have the same constraints and each and every team member and team has their own challenges, therefore it's important to take satisfaction in the learning and work that has been done. “
Red Set Racing’s car and workings
The Reason i’m in Formula 1
“Without STEM Racing, I would not have had the desire to go to university and study Engineering further. I later found out STEM Racing also prepared me very well for Formula Student. That same process of design, simulate, test, refine, race works exactly the same way, and the presentations and judging events are very similar.
After 5 years of hard work, I graduated from university with a Masters Degree, and with the extra curricular activities of STEM Racing, Formula Student and some other work experience on the side, definitely set me apart from others. I firmly believe this is the reason I obtained a role at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, and am lucky enough to travel the world as a Power Unit Engineer in Formula 1.
Finally, in order to help the next generations of STEM Racing competitors, I spent many years judging at the competitions, being Lead Engineering judge at the UK National Finals on multiple occasions, and judging at the 2015 and 2016 World Finals in Singapore and Austin respectively. Since moving into my travelling role, this has become a little difficult now, but I’m always open to giving anyone advice and guidance should they wish for it.”
“STEM Racing inspired me to pursue Engineering at university and perfectly prepared me for Formula Student. The skills I gained - designing, testing, presenting - helped me stand out, ultimately leading to my role at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Formula 1.”