The Secret to a Perfect F1 Driver-Engineer Partnership | Rob Smedley on Massa, Lewis & Ferrari (E393) | The High Performance Podcast

Rob Smedley, a Formula 1 race engineer, discusses his career, focusing on his relationships with drivers and experiences at Ferrari and Williams. He recounts his initial assignment with Felipe Massa, detailing how he helped Massa develop into a complete driver by providing structure, support, and honest feedback. Smedley reflects on the emotional 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Massa narrowly missed winning the World Championship, and the impact of Felipe's near-fatal accident in 2009. He also analyzes the dynamics between drivers and engineers, using Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as examples, and emphasizes the importance of honesty, psychological safety, and adapting to each driver's needs.

Outlines

Part 1: Engineering Success at Ferrari

Part 2: Psychology and the Engineer's Role

Part 3: Crisis and Team Dynamics

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The Secret to a Perfect F1 Driver-Engineer Partnership | Rob Smedley on Massa, Lewis & Ferrari (E393)

The High Performance Podcast

Part 1: Engineering Success at Ferrari

Rob Smedley's Early Days at Ferrari: Engineering Felipe Massa

Brazil 2008: Ferrari's Mindset and Felipe Massa's Confidence

The 2008 Brazil Finish: Chaos, Disbelief, and Pride in Execution

Part 2: Psychology and the Engineer's Role

Perspective and Psychology: The Impact of Personal Tragedy on Smedley's Career

The 50/50 Balance: Technical Skill vs. Driver Psychology in F1 Engineering

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles: New Team Dynamics and Engineer Relationships

The Challenges of Changing Teams: Environment, Pressure, and Car Comfort

Part 3: Crisis and Team Dynamics

The Importance of Environment: Teamwork, Honesty, and Psychological Safety

The Aftermath of the Accident: Soul Searching and a Changed Perspective

Fernando Alonso's Brilliance and the Infamous "Fernando is Faster Than You" Message

The Aftermath of the Team Order and Smedley's Transition to Williams

The Secret to a Perfect F1 Driver-Engineer Partnership | Rob Smedley on Massa, Lewis & Ferrari (E393)

The High Performance Podcast

Part 1: Engineering Success at Ferrari

00:01Rob Smedley's Early Days at Ferrari: Engineering Felipe Massa

Rob Smedley's Early Days at Ferrari: Engineering Felipe Massa

13:10Brazil 2008: Ferrari's Mindset and Felipe Massa's Confidence

Brazil 2008: Ferrari's Mindset and Felipe Massa's Confidence

20:47The 2008 Brazil Finish: Chaos, Disbelief, and Pride in Execution

The 2008 Brazil Finish: Chaos, Disbelief, and Pride in Execution

Part 2: Psychology and the Engineer's Role

29:45Perspective and Psychology: The Impact of Personal Tragedy on Smedley's Career

Perspective and Psychology: The Impact of Personal Tragedy on Smedley's Career

37:34The 50/50 Balance: Technical Skill vs. Driver Psychology in F1 Engineering

The 50/50 Balance: Technical Skill vs. Driver Psychology in F1 Engineering

45:58Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles: New Team Dynamics and Engineer Relationships

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles: New Team Dynamics and Engineer Relationships

53:44The Challenges of Changing Teams: Environment, Pressure, and Car Comfort

The Challenges of Changing Teams: Environment, Pressure, and Car Comfort

Part 3: Crisis and Team Dynamics

1:02:24The Importance of Environment: Teamwork, Honesty, and Psychological Safety

The Importance of Environment: Teamwork, Honesty, and Psychological Safety

1:17:47The Aftermath of the Accident: Soul Searching and a Changed Perspective

The Aftermath of the Accident: Soul Searching and a Changed Perspective

1:25:33Fernando Alonso's Brilliance and the Infamous "Fernando is Faster Than You" Message

Fernando Alonso's Brilliance and the Infamous "Fernando is Faster Than You" Message

1:35:21The Aftermath of the Team Order and Smedley's Transition to Williams

The Aftermath of the Team Order and Smedley's Transition to Williams