Page 11 of Formula Chance

“But I’ll bet there were plenty of barriers,” she guesses.

“Being a woman in this field, you have to prove yourself more than most. There are still people who don’t think I belong, but I’ve learned to tune them out. My dad taught me that the work speaks for itself.”

Away from the mind-bending data analysis that is central to my job, this information is clearly captivating to Amanda. As we talk, I can see her excitement at the possibility of sharing my story with all the little girls out there. “And your education? Exactly how does one become a race strategy engineer?”

“It’s definitely a niche job,” I reply, thinking about just how hard it is to break into this world, male or female. “There are probably no more than thirty to fifty strategy jobs at any one time across all of Formula International and its subseries teams. But you asked about my education.” I fill her in on those details and she scribbles notes. “I didn’t want to just be another ‘enthusiast’ in the sport. I wanted to understand the technical side. The engineering, the aerodynamics, the strategy. Everything. But it was the strategy I was drawn to.”

“Let me guess,” Amanda says with a smirk. “I’m betting you’re a hell of a chess player.”

Grinning, I admit, “Backgammon’s more my game, but I’m not too bad at chess.”

“What did you do after graduation?”

I lean forward, clasping my hands on the table. “I joined Bauer Performance Racing in Vienna, which is owned by Bauer FI Racing. At first, it was just a junior role, helping out with data analysis and pit strategy for their FI2 team. But I was driven. I kept pushing for more responsibility, and eventually, they brought me on as the strategy engineer for the team. I was only twenty-four at the time, but I didn’t back down. I wanted to prove that I could handle the pressure, that I could think on my feet, and that I could outsmart the competition.”

I pause, remembering the countless hours working under the fluorescent lights, mapping out race strategies, split-second decisions that could make or break the entire race. I worked twice as hard and twice as many hours as anyone else, just so no one could ever find fault with me. “The FI2 team taught me a lot about adapting on the fly, managing risk and keeping calm under pressure. That’s when I first realized I could do this at a higher level. So, when the opportunity with Titans Racing came up, I didn’t hesitate.”

The reporter leans in. “Titans Racing is huge. A new ownership, a new direction. How did it feel to come into a team like this?”

Funny, my feelings upon first accepting this job are radically different now that Nash Sinclair is one of the drivers, but I keep that to myself. “It’s been a whirlwind, honestly. Brienne Norcross is an incredible woman, and when they offered me the position here, I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She’s been a game changer for the team. She’s brought in new technology, new processes, and she’s not afraid to shake things up. It’s been a challenging but exciting ride so far.”

Amanda jots down more notes, looking up at me. “I can imagine. But being the first woman to take on such a role must come with its challenges, right?”

I let out a small laugh, vowing not to go all feminist, even though that’s the bulk ofEchelon’s readers. “Of course. You’re constantly proving yourself. People question you more, second-guess you more. I’ve had my fair share of doubters, both in the industry and outside of it. But honestly, that’s what drives me. If I can break through those barriers and prove my worth, then I’ve done my job.” Amanda hangs on every word. I lean back in my chair and smile genuinely. “At the end of the day, it’s not about gender. It’s about who can make the best decisions, who can manage the pressure, who can outthink the competition. And that’s the most important thing in motorsports. We’re here to win, plain and simple.”

Amanda stares at me in awe. “You’ve certainly made an impact on me today. What’s next for you and for Titans Racing?”

I glance around the room—my space—taking in the state-of-the-art technology, the images of race victories from past seasons. It’s a reminder of what’s at stake. My gaze slides back to her. “We’re just getting started. The team’s been through a lot of changes, and there’s a lot of work ahead. But we’re on the right track. Jeddah will be a challenge, but I know we have the right team in place to keep pushing forward.”

I don’t bother mentioning that we’re using our backup driver for this race or that the team principal was fired two days ago and everyone is spinning a bit. I certainly don’t mention Nash joining the team or his upcoming debut in Melbourne.

And she doesn’t ask, because she doesn’t care. The story is about a woman in a male-dominated sport, and I’m happy with sticking to those facts.

I smile, feeling the weight of the future pressing against my shoulders in a very delicious way. “And as for me, I’m here to do one thing—win.”

Amanda grins, impressed by my confidence. “I think you’re going to do just that, Bexley. Thanks for the interview. It’s been a pleasure. I’ve got a photographer on standby in the lobby if we can get some pictures down there with the cars.”

I’m slightly disappointed by that, figuring she’d want me in my element, among my computers, charts and spreadsheets. But I get it… the cars are beautiful and there are five of them under spotlights in the lobby. “Of course. Let’s get that done so I can get to work.”

♦

After the interviewand photographs, I stop by the cafeteria to grab a cup of tea and a scone, having skipped breakfast since it took me longer than normal to get ready this morning. I’m a few minutes early for our final race strategy meeting before we all leave for Jeddah tomorrow, so I can spare the time. Bernie and Matthieu were in the simulator yesterday and I took that data, studied it, and cross-worked scenarios with weather and expected track conditions.

The room is already full when I step inside: Hendrik, Matthieu, Bernie, and a few members of the strategy team are gathered around the table with laptops open. I’m not surprised to see Nash here as well. Although he won’t be stepping in as an official driver until the Melbourne race, he’s been involved in the preparations for Jeddah when he’s not been doing his own training. He doesn’t even glance at me, which is completely fine. We’ve passed by each other in the halls several times in the last few days, but we haven’t even looked at each other.

That won’t be a luxury we enjoy much longer though. Eventually, we’ll have to interact and I’m not looking forward to it.

Bernie is leaning back in his chair, a half-smile playing at his lips as he drums his fingertips on his thighs. Matthieu is beside him, focused on a digital note pad in front of him. He’s a better driver than Bernie and he knows he’s the star of this race. He also knows this is his only time to be the star as Nash has been given the number one position. I only know the details of that contract deal because, as the chief strategy engineer, I’ll be factoring that into our race decisions.

All heads turn to me, the only female in the room. I take a deep breath and make my way to the end of the table where Hendrik sits. As the chief engineer, he oversees performance and development of the cars, managing several engineering departments, including mechanical, aerodynamics, electronics and the like.

Race strategy is my department, but he is my boss, so I’m not surprised to find him here. Although I’d sent him my recommendations in a report late last night, I’m new to the team and would expect his oversight.

Hendrik nods in greeting but no one else even acknowledges me.

Except Nash. His expression is pinned on me as I take my seat but so dead and expressionless, it’s a bit hurtful.

This is our last meeting before the race. We leave tomorrow, so this is where I’ll spell out the entire strategy and we’ll all work to tweak it together. The drivers will know exactly what will happen and where, barring any upheavals by other cars and teams. I hate that my palms are slightly sweaty as I cast my laptop screen to a large TV on the wall for everyone to see.

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