Geoffrey Willis – Formula 1 Technical Director

Geoffrey Willis has played a central role in some of the most successful technical programmes in modern motorsport. With leadership positions at Williams, British American Racing, Red Bull Technology and Mercedes-AMG Petronas, his work has contributed directly to multiple Constructors’ Championships and sustained competitive advantage at the pinnacle of Formula 1.

Educated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, Geoffrey specialised in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics before completing a PhD in Engineering Science at Exeter University. His academic foundation became instrumental in his early advocacy of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for racing car aerodynamics. In 1990, he joined Williams following a compelling demonstration of CFD’s potential to transform aerodynamic development.

As Chief Aerodynamicist at Williams, working closely with Adrian Newey, Geoffrey helped establish the aerodynamic tools and processes that underpinned the team’s dominance throughout the 1990s. The results were clear: five Constructors’ Championships and a reputation for technical precision that set new standards within the sport.

Technical Leadership at the Highest Level

In 2001, Geoffrey stepped into the role of Technical Director at British American Racing. He guided the team through its transition into Honda Racing, creating stability and technical direction during a period of significant change. The team achieved second place in the 2004 Constructors’ Championship, marking a defining milestone in its competitive journey.

He reunited with Adrian Newey in 2007 at Red Bull Technology. Together, they helped build the technical platform that enabled Red Bull Racing to secure four consecutive World Championships. The emphasis on integrated design, aerodynamics and performance development became a blueprint for sustained success.

Further senior roles followed at Hispania Racing and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team. As Technology Director at Mercedes, Geoffrey oversaw aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and dyno programmes. His contribution supported the team’s extraordinary run of eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships, an achievement that reshaped the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

Engineering Innovation and Applied Science

In 2020, Geoffrey was appointed Technical Director of Mercedes Applied Science. Here, he led the transfer of Formula 1 technologies into other high-performance sectors, including automotive, cycling and marine engineering. This work demonstrated how methodologies refined under the intense pressure of Formula 1 can unlock competitive advantage across industries.

Simulation, systems integration and data-led development formed the backbone of this cross-sector innovation. Geoffrey’s leadership ensured that advanced aerodynamic modelling, rapid prototyping and performance analytics could be adapted and applied far beyond the racetrack.

INEOS Britannia and the America’s Cup

Through collaboration with INEOS, Geoffrey took on the role of Technical Director for INEOS Britannia’s America’s Cup campaign. He built and led a multidisciplinary team that combined Formula 1 precision with elite marine engineering expertise.

This partnership culminated in the launch of RB3 Britannia in 2024 and a landmark victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup. The result secured the United Kingdom’s first America’s Cup final appearance since 1964. It was a powerful example of how high-performance engineering principles can translate across disciplines when guided by clear leadership and technical vision.

Book Geoffrey Willis for Your Event

When you book Geoffrey Willis for your event, you gain insight from a leader who has shaped championship-winning environments across motorsport and elite engineering. His key themes include:

• Engineering innovation under pressure

• Building and leading high-performance technical teams

• The evolution of aerodynamics and simulation

• Technology transfer from Formula 1 to global industries

• Data-driven decision-making and competitive strategy

Geoffrey combines deep technical expertise with real-world leadership experience at the highest level of competition. His talks offer audiences a rare view into how championship cultures are built, how innovation is sustained and how engineering excellence delivers measurable results.

For organisations focused on performance, innovation and leadership, Geoffrey Willis brings proven experience from the world’s most demanding arenas.