Mastercard unveils the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s first ever “Junior Race Engineer” ahead of the British Grand Prix
July 3, 2025Olivia Lawson, a 15-year-old motorsport enthusiast from Buckinghamshire, has been named Mastercard and the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s first “Junior Race Engineer”, a position which will see her gain valuable experience with the McLaren Formula 1 team ahead of the British Grand Prix this weekend.
Olivia beat a grid-full of applicants to win the nationwide competition and earn pole position by impressing judges with her passion for motorsport, her ambition to pursue a career in engineering and her standout model car construction skills.
Her first day in the role began with a VIP tour of the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, led by Kenny Kong, Reliability Engineer and STEM Ambassador, McLaren Racing. Olivia explored the team’s state-of-the-art facilities and got hands-on experience by helping assemble Ayrton Senna’s MP4-8 from 1993, his last race winning car, as well as applying decals to a race car to bridge theory with practice in preparation of race day.
This week, ahead of the British Grand Prix, Olivia will be trackside with the team to run through a pre-practice session briefing and experience the thrill of race weekend while rubbing shoulders with those responsible for McLaren’s race operations. As the youngest member of the team, she’ll gain first-hand insight into race operations, strategy and even contribute her own observations to the team.
"I have been obsessed with cars and motorsport since I was tiny,” said Olivia Lawson, the first-ever Junior Race Engineer. “To be given the opportunity to see the magic of motor racing up close is a dream come true. Becoming an engineer has always been my goal and I never thought it would happen this soon – let alone with McLaren! I can’t wait to join the team at their home race this week!”
“To be part of the McLaren Formula 1 Team in the lead up to one of the most iconic races in the calendar is not just exciting - it's full throttle, turbo-charged and totally priceless,” said Charlie Carrington, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications UK & Ireland. “We hope that this amazing opportunity turbo charges Olivia’s journey to becoming an engineer and provides her with unforgettable memories. This initiative with McLaren is one of the many ways Mastercard connects people to their passions and puts the next generation in pole position."
The McLaren Formula 1 Team and Mastercard designed the Junior Race Engineer competition to inspire the next generation of motorsport fans and engineers. Open to children aged 9-15, the initiative offers a rare glimpse into the technology and teamwork behind a world-class racing team.
The Junior Race Engineer initiative builds upon the multi-year partnership that was announced in 2024 between Mastercard and McLaren, two pre-eminent brands known for their focus on innovation and for setting the standard in offering incredible experiences that bring people closer to their passions.
About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1976. McLaren has since won 21 Formula 1 world championships, 196 Formula 1 Grands Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across five racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard, and F1 Academy with Driver Development programme member Ella Lloyd. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
