Kiwi engineer joins Red Bull

The selection process wasn’t easy, with 3500 applying for a position at Red Bull Powertrains. But a former Nelson College for Girls student nabbed the job.

Eloise Beattie will soon take on the role as a Graduate Control Engineer with Red Bull Powertrains. She will form part of the Milton Keynes team that builds the systems for F1 cars. 

Beattie was initially interested in theoretical physics but had a change of heart after completing a hands-on project.

A degree in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Auckland followed. Mechatronics is an amalgam of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. She graduated with First Class Honours.

At university, she helped design systems that use magnets to power machinery and worked in microchip manufacturing. She also helped to build a laser system that tracks drones.

One of her favourite projects was designing a rev monitor system for sprint cars. That was when a colleague encouraged her to apply for the Red Bull role.

Beattie will now work as a Controls Engineer on the F1 Powertrain.

F1 is undergoing some major changes. In 2026, new rules will change the way the cars race and how people build them.

Beattie explains: “In 2026, the cars will become lighter and slightly smaller, with a 50/50 split between combustion and electric power, all running on 100 per cent sustainable fuels. The idea is to make the cars more nimble and encourage more wheel-to-wheel racing, which, if successful, will be very fun to watch.”

Beattie admits she is apprehensive about her new role. 

“I’m definitely very excited, but also nervous. I’m just really looking forward to it and trying to learn as much as I can beforehand so I can hit the ground running.

“Beyond the work itself…I’m most looking forward to being back in a high-performance environment.”

Eloise Beattie’s passion has led her to the world stage of racing, and it seems her career proper is now getting started.