F1: Change, Winning & Team!
As we near the end of another incredible year in Formula 1, I’m reminded of a reflection I shared with my team during the 2018 season—an insight that remains just as relevant today, not only for racing but also for work and life.
F1 is more than a race; it’s a symphony of teamwork, technology, strategy, and leadership, all driven by a common goal: winning. Watching the dynamics between Ferrari and Mercedes back then, I couldn’t help but notice the profound lessons they offer for teams and leaders everywhere.
Mercedes, led by Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff, exemplified what it takes to succeed consistently—year after year. It wasn’t just about the car or the driver; it was about the team’s collective focus, adaptability, and emotional strength. They were masters of forming and reforming a cohesive unit despite ever-changing variables like drivers, cars, and rules.
Ferrari, on the other hand, often demonstrated brilliance in parts but struggled to bring it all together as one. It highlighted a crucial takeaway: Winning requires more than talent—it requires alignment, trust, and shared purpose.
Live F1 Examples
Lets appreciate a few F1 items in action and compare it to our corporate situations:
Racing station (Compare it to your Swarm team, Project team, Domain team). Admire the calmness in dealing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfGYwYoNdj8
Team work: Watch below under 2 sec pitstop. Compare it to your Outage, Rollout, Testing, Release.
- Recognition: Get a glimpse of and think over communication, Workouts, Calls, Team meetings, Project updates, Mails. If you are watching, then definitely watch 3:37 one…Thanks to both team here and factory! (Recognition: A winning racer acknowledging factory there and then on the track!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b_G8y4TKto
Lessons for Workplace
So, what does this teach us in the workplace?
Adaptability to Change: Like F1, organizations face constant shifts—leaders, projects, policies, and teams change. Success depends on how quickly we adapt, align, and form a new team with a shared focus.
Putting the Team First: There are times to lead and times to step back for the greater good. Think of Valtteri Bottas sacrificing pole positions for Hamilton. How often do we recognize and appreciate such contributions in our teams?
Communication and Trust: From the pit crew to the team radio, F1 showcases how clear, quick, and direct communication builds trust and ensures results. Do our teams operate with the same level of precision and confidence?
Conclusion
Ultimately, F1 is a marathon, not a sprint—much like our careers and organizations. It’s an infinite game, evolving with time, requiring resilience, collaboration, and purpose.
As I reflect on this, I’m inspired by the parallels between F1 and the workplace. Both are about people coming together, leveraging strengths, and pursuing excellence despite the odds.
Just like in F1, it’s the team that wins the race—not just the driver.
Call to Action
So, as you approach your next challenge, ask yourself: Are you building a winning team? Are you adapting to change and focusing on the bigger picture? Are you leading with purpose?
Whats your experience with competetive Teams? Please do share in as comments @LinkedIn!