Bernadette Collins

Formula One Strategy Analyst for Sky Sports & F1TV, Former Head of Race Strategy for the Aston Martin F1 Team

Bernadette Collins has made a significant impact in the motorsport industry, excelling in various roles across strategy, analysis, and journalism within Formula One. Currently, she serves as an Analyst for Sky Sports and F1TV, but she is most renowned for her influential role as the Head of Race Strategy for the Aston Martin F1 Team. As a woman succeeding in a predominantly male-dominated field, Bernadette, often called Bernie, is an inspiring figure for young girls aspiring to enter the world of motorsport. Her remarkable journey and achievements make her a sought-after keynote speaker for International Women’s Day and other prominent events.

Bernadette's journey began with a Master of Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, which led her to join McLaren Racing's graduate programme. During her time at McLaren, she gained extensive knowledge in vehicle dynamics, system engineering, and equipment design. Bernie quickly advanced from Graduate Engineer to Design Engineer, contributing to notable projects such as the development of a dyno modular carbon gearbox and creating detailed component drawings for the final drive wheel. Her success as a Design Engineer paved the way for her transition to a Performance Engineer, focusing on critical performance aspects like brake balance, throttle pedal maps, and fuel management.

After nearly six years at McLaren, Bernadette moved on to the Sahara Force India F1 Team as a Performance & Strategy Engineer and later joined the BWT Racing Point F1 Team as a Senior Strategy Engineer. Her expertise and strategic acumen culminated in her appointment as the Head of Race Strategy for Aston Martin F1 Team in 2020. In this pivotal role, Bernie was responsible for optimising race strategies and maximising the team's championship points. Her work involved extensive travel and a relentless commitment to enhancing the Aston Martin team's infrastructure. In 2022, Bernadette transitioned to new ventures, becoming the Director of BC Engineering Consultancy Ltd and continuing her analytical work with F1TV and Sky Sports. Beyond her technical roles, she has served as an Ambassador for the Make It In Great Britain campaign, further solidifying her status as a role model.

Bernadette’s contributions have been recognized widely, including her inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and The Manufacturer’s Top 100 UK Role Models. Her extensive experience in motorsport journalism, from commentary to pit lane and grid reporting, makes her a captivating speaker. Her ability to engage and inspire audiences with her in-depth knowledge and personal journey makes Bernadette Collins an excellent choice for an International Women’s Day keynote speaker.

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