In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat, the race engineer plays a pivotal role. For the 2025 season, Laura Müller has stepped into this critical position at Haas F1 Team, becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time race engineer in the sport’s history. Partnering with driver Esteban Ocon, Müller’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of diversity and inclusion within motorsport.
Müller’s journey to the pinnacle of racing engineering is a testament to her dedication and expertise. Hailing from Lake Constance, Germany, she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in automotive engineering from the Technical University of Munich. Her passion for motorsport was ignited during a gap year in Australia, where she immersed herself in the local car culture. This experience propelled her into various engineering roles across multiple racing series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience.
Joining Haas in 2022, Müller initially contributed to the simulator department before advancing to the role of performance engineer. Her promotion to race engineer in January 2025 was part of a broader restructuring within the team, led by Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, aiming to enhance trackside operations following a seventh-place finish in the previous constructors’ championship. Komatsu highlighted Müller’s strong work ethic, determination, and technical understanding as key factors in her elevation to this prominent role.
As a race engineer, Müller serves as the primary communication link between the driver and the team during race weekends. Her responsibilities encompass strategizing pit stops, analyzing real-time data, and providing critical feedback to optimize car performance. The role demands not only technical acumen but also the ability to make swift decisions under pressure, qualities that Müller has demonstrated consistently throughout her career.
Müller’s role as a race engineer represents more than just a personal achievement; it symbolizes a progressive shift in the traditionally male-dominated sphere of Formula 1 engineering. Her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring female engineers and highlights the importance of diversity in driving innovation and excellence within the sport.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Laura Müller and Esteban Ocon will work closely together to navigate the challenges of the Formula 1 circuit. Their collaboration not only aims to propel Haas up the standings but also to pave the way for greater inclusivity and representation in motorsport’s technical ranks.
