Haas' Laura Mueller: Navigating the F1 Paddock and Paving the Way for Women in Engineering

Eighteen months into her role as race engineer for Esteban Ocon at Haas, Laura Mueller has settled into the job with aplomb. As the first woman in Formula 1 to take on such a high-profile role, she's navigated the highs and lows of the track, and even had a corner named after her at the Australian Grand Prix. In a conversation with F1.com, Mueller opened up about her journey, her partnership with Ocon, and her thoughts on inspiring women in engineering.

From Simulator to Pit Wall

Mueller joined Haas in 2022, initially working in the simulator department before transitioning to a performance engineer role. Her path to becoming a race engineer felt natural, thanks to her previous experience in other series. "It was a smooth transition into a role within a team I already knew," she explains, highlighting the advantage of familiarity with the team dynamics.

Building a Partnership with Ocon

Mueller's collaboration with Ocon has grown stronger in their second season together. She credits their initial year as crucial for building a solid working relationship, especially with the sweeping regulation changes in 2026. "It was vital to start on a car we knew, with regulations we understood," she says, noting how their shared determination complements their professional bond.

The Invisible Work of a Race Engineer

While fans see glimpses of race engineers during race weekends, much of their work goes unnoticed. Mueller enjoys the analytical side of her job, particularly post-event data analysis and session planning. Despite the long hours, she finds satisfaction in the dynamic nature of race weekends, where plans often need quick adaptation.

A Trailblazer in the Spotlight

Being F1's first female race engineer has brought Mueller additional scrutiny, a challenge she navigates with focus. "I just wanted to get on with my job," she admits, emphasizing her preference for work over attention. Nonetheless, she recognizes her role in increasing visibility for women in engineering, acknowledging the importance of representation in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Engineers

Mueller offers straightforward advice to young women pursuing engineering: "Don't take s*** from anyone." She emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's own dreams rather than those imposed by others. As someone who nearly gave up on her F1 dream, she encourages perseverance and self-belief.

With her achievements and insights, Laura Mueller continues to inspire the next generation of female engineers, illustrating the possibilities within the world of motorsport.