How IT Project Managers Are Fueling Formula 1 Success

When people think of Formula 1 racing, they picture sleek cars, elite drivers, and lightning-fast pit stops. But behind every lap time and podium finish is a sophisticated digital operation and increasingly, IT Project Managers are playing a crucial role in it. 

Take McLaren Racing. With a relentless 24-race calendar and constant innovation required to stay competitive, the team depends heavily on the coordination of complex technology infrastructure. At the center of this operation is a team of IT professionals led by IT Project Managers who ensure that the digital backbone of the team is ready to go before the tires ever hit the track. 

The Trackside Data Center: A High-Stakes IT Project 

Dan Keyworth, Director of Business Technology at McLaren Racing, describes the race garage setup as “a mini data center that comes with us everywhere.” The infrastructure that travels with the team, known as the trackside rig, is what allows the cars to even leave the garage. From cabling to connectivity to communications systems, it must be fully deployed and tested before any racing can begin. 

IT Project Managers are responsible for overseeing this rollout at every location, ensuring that nothing is missed and that every system (from telemetry to communication to analytics) is functioning exactly as intended. They manage the logistics, personnel, schedules, risk assessments, and troubleshooting. This is project management in one of its most high-pressure forms. 

Innovation at F1 Speed 

Unlike most industries, McLaren can’t afford to slow down to implement new technology. Their philosophy: if IT stands still, it falls behind. That means updates, tests, and rollouts often happen mid-season. 

This requires highly agile IT Project Managers; people who can deploy simulations, validate performance, and ensure the rollout of upgrades in compressed timeframes. McLaren reports that up to 90% of a car’s components change over the course of a season. In this environment, IT infrastructure must evolve at the same pace. 

IT Project Managers are tasked with managing new system implementations, tracking key data points for performance improvement, and minimizing disruption during deployment, all while the season is in full swing. 

Real-Time ITSM and the Power of AI 

McLaren relies on advanced IT service management (ITSM) systems to support day-to-day IT issues and long-term tech innovation. Their new partner, Freshworks, is helping the racing team use AI-powered service tools to diagnose, resolve, and even anticipate issues, freeing the IT team to focus on higher-order problems. 

IT Project Managers in this space are now integrating AI into their workflows, not to replace human decision-making, but to speed up pattern recognition and response time. With 250 million data points generated by each car every race weekend, IT Project Managers must use every available tool to translate those insights into actions. 

What It Means for IT Project Managers 

The McLaren example is a blueprint for what the future of IT project management looks like. Whether working for a global tech company or a logistics firm, the expectations are increasingly the same: deliver real-time results, drive innovation, manage complexity, and do it all without slowing down the business. 

IT Project Managers today are no longer behind-the-scenes contributors, they are core strategic players. Their ability to prioritize, communicate, and execute in high-stakes environments is what keeps organizations moving forward. 

For PMO Partners Candidates and Clients 

At PMO Partners, we specialize in placing IT Project Managers who thrive under pressure, lead with clarity, and bring structure to fast-moving industries. Whether you’re managing a tech stack for a Fortune 500 or building trackside infrastructure for an elite racing team, the fundamentals are the same. 

Are you a hiring manager in need of IT project management or business systems analysis talent? 

Submit a search request today. At PMO Partners, we match exceptional candidates with forward-thinking organizations. Every search is unique and customized to help our clients achieve success. 

Are you a professional searching for a project management or business systems analyst opportunity in IT? 

Contact us to discuss your career path or browse our open positions. You deserve a dynamic, challenging opportunity!