Old Leightonian Joey MacMillan (2008) is perfect proof that Maths can be extremely cool, He writes “I am one of four “Race Strategy Engineers” for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Our main responsibility is to make a large number of the in-race decisions on Sunday, including but not limited to when to make a pitstop and what tyre compound to fit. During a race we are are analysing data, running models and discussing the game theoretical benefits of all the things we can control. Before the race (on Friday and Saturday) we analyse all the data from practice including making decisions about that the tyres are going to do, where our car is weak/strong and what we think our competitors will do, this all culminates with the plan we make for the race and how we change that plan as the race unfolds.
During the week I am combining engineering knowledge with my statistical and mathematical knowledge to create models that will assist with decision making before and during each race. We also spend the time after a race going through the decisions we made and debating the nuanced game theoretical implications of things that could have transpired to ensure we did everything correctly, and to work out if we need to do anything different at the next race.”
Joe started this job in August 2016, stopping studying for a PhD in Mathematics to take up the position. He has therefore been part of the team that has won each of the last 3 Drivers and Constructors World Championships (and leading both championships again this year).
Previously, Joe achieved a Distinction MRes In Mathematics of Planet Earth from University of Reading and Imperial College London , after a 1st Class degree in Mathematics from the University of Reading. He’s looking forward to coming back to Leighton Park to inspire the Maths students!
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