As I sit writing this, it’s March 2025, and the new F1 season is just weeks away.
Like so many others, I got into Formula 1 through Drive to Survive on Netflix. I knew nothing going in, but I was immediately hooked. The strategy, the speed, the drama—I couldn’t get enough. That was 2021.
Four years later, I have a favorite team (shoutout to Ferrari), an F1 LEGO car sitting on my desk, and another one on the way. Safe to say, I’m all in.
Something dawned on me recently while facilitating a meeting: the role of a facilitator is surprisingly similar to that of a Chief Race Engineer in F1.
Now, I get it—no one’s life is on the line in a meeting (even if it feels that way sometimes). But both roles require keeping people aligned, making quick adjustments, and ensuring that, despite unexpected obstacles, the team stays on course.
So, let’s break it down. How exactly is a facilitator like a Chief Engineer?
The Chief Engineer: The Team’s Strategic Anchor
In Formula 1, the Chief Race Engineer is the critical link between the driver and the rest of the team. They analyze data, communicate key insights, and make strategic calls—all while keeping emotions in check and focusing on the bigger picture.
They don’t drive the car, but without them, the whole operation would fall apart.
In a meeting, the facilitator plays a similar role. They don’t make the final decision, but they guide the conversation, manage competing priorities, and ensure the team reaches its objectives efficiently.
One of their biggest responsibilities? Keeping everyone aligned.
Keeping the Team Focused—Even When Things Go Sideways
You might think the goal in every F1 race is simple: win. But in reality, it’s more complex than that.
For some teams, success means finishing on the podium. For others, it’s scoring a single championship point. And in some cases, just making it to the checkered flag is the priority.
A great Chief Engineer knows exactly what success looks like in the moment and keeps the team focused—even when things go wrong.
Take the 2021 British Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty after an early-race collision. For most drivers, that would have been the end of their chances. But his engineer, Pete Bonnington, kept him locked in, providing clear, strategic updates and motivation. Hamilton went on to win the race.
That’s what great facilitators do.
Meetings don’t always go as planned. Conversations go off track, disagreements flare up, and sometimes, unexpected challenges throw everything into chaos. A skilled facilitator keeps the team focused on the real goal—whether that’s making a decision, solving a problem, or aligning on next steps.
Making Quick, Strategic Adjustments
F1 races are unpredictable—weather changes, tire degradation varies, and other teams adjust their strategies. The Chief Engineer constantly reads the situation and helps the driver make the best possible decisions in real time.
Facilitators need the same adaptability.
Maybe a key stakeholder raises a concern that shifts the conversation. Maybe a heated debate breaks out. Maybe new information changes the direction entirely. Instead of forcing the group back to the original agenda, a great facilitator assesses the situation and guides the team toward a productive outcome.
They know when to push forward, when to slow down, and when to take a different approach—all while keeping the end goal in mind.
The Pit Stop Mentality: Efficient, Not Rushed
In F1, pit stops are a masterclass in precision. A well-executed pit stop can be the difference between winning and losing. But if rushed or poorly timed, it can ruin an entire race.
Meetings are the same.
A facilitator ensures discussions are productive and efficient—not rushed, but not dragging on either. They create space for meaningful input while keeping the conversation moving.
Be the Chief Engineer of Your Meetings
Every team needs someone who can keep things aligned, adapt to challenges, and drive the conversation forward. In racing, that’s the Chief Engineer. In meetings, that’s the facilitator.
Want to sharpen your facilitation skills and lead more effective meetings? Our Essential Facilitation™ workshop gives you the tools to guide discussions with confidence, manage competing priorities, and keep your team focused—no matter the obstacles.