Claire Diffey (BASc '17, mechanical engineering) and Christina Sullivan (BASc '23, mechatronics engineering) both work for the Williams Racing Team, one of the largest teams in Formula One.
Diffey works as an aerodynamicist, focusing on designing and optimizing the front wings of the cars used in F1 races. Her work involves analyzing airflow to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, seeking small performance gains that can reduce lap times by fractions of a second. She interprets the technical rules set by the sport's governing authority and improves wings within those limits. She also ensures that the wings generate the necessary downforce to keep the tires at optimal temperature and maintain grip on the track.
After watching “Drive to Survive” during the pandemic, Sullivan became interested in the technical side of racing and thought about applying for a co-op with a racing team. She landed an internship with the Williams Racing Team's electronics group, where she worked in the wind tunnel, a facility that simulates airflow over the car to test new designs. After graduating with a degree in mechatronics, she joined the team full-time. Now, she manages the electronic sensors and systems that gather data during wind tunnel tests to help evaluate changes to car components.
Learn more about the work our alumnae are doing in F1 via the Waterloo Region Record.