Bernadette Collins

Three years later, Collins became a performance engineer and became its leader in that role full-time in 2014, working with 2009 World Champion Jenson Button.

[2] Although she did not intend to be employed within motor racing,[5] Collins was undecided on her future career during a period of five years at Mount Lourdes Grammar School.

[2] Her interest in motor racing emerged in her final two years at university when she was part of the annual Formula Student programme that is organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers where universities design, test, construct, and drive small-scale formula style racing cars.

[5] During her graduate year, Collins transferred into McLaren's design department and worked primarily on the transmissions of their vehicles.

[4] That June, Collins was named as the United Kingdom government's Make it in Great Britain's 30 Under 30 list and she consequently became an ambassador for the campaign.

[6] When McLaren's primary performance engineer was absent on paternity leave in late 2013, Collins was temporary assigned to the position for the Indian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix and was later handed the job full-time for the 2014 season.