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From driving forklift trucks to running the department that manufacturers our race cars, Paul Field knows all there is about the supply chain

Success in F1 is just as dependent on the smooth operation of the factory as it is the activity at the track. As Head of Production, Supply Chain, and Logistics, Paul Field is responsible for the department that manufactures our cars, delivering a constant stream of new components and assemblies to the race team, while ensuring that everything that goes onto the car is of the highest quality.

Paul’s long career has taken him from driving forklift trucks as a youngster to stints in composites at Jordan Grand Prix, BAR and eventually the Honda team of the mid-2000s, where he eventually became Manufacturing Manager. In 2007 he moved to Red Bull Racing.

“The sport is constantly evolving – and so the manufacturing processes and the products we use have evolved also,” says Paul. “Rather than taking components to a test track as we did many years ago, most track testing now takes place during Friday practice sessions at the Grand Prix. The whole ethos of the manufacturing cycle changed because of that, and naturally every team evolved to cope. Some adapted better than others and there is a real competitive advantage to be found in getting that process just right.”

The cycle of development in Formula One is continuous – which means the production operation never relents. Aside for the enforced summer shutdown, the factory will be working 24/7 for 50 weeks of the year. Streamlining the operation is critical; with hundredths of seconds determining grid position and grid position determining race results, getting upgrades to the track on time or ahead of schedule can make all the difference.

And there’s no letting up in his commitment to the team’s success. “I always wanted to work in the sport and strived to get here. It didn’t fall in front of me; it’s something I chased. Really, it’s the dream I chased. And it doesn’t wear off! Even today I eat, drink and live it – and that’s true of most people working here in the factory. We aren’t out at the circuit but we live every moment on track.”