Yesterday morning I had the chance to attend a presentation, and meet Sam Michael, current McLaren F1 Sporting Director courtesy of Santander’s Breakthrough Masterclass.
Meeting Sam got me thinking of the similarities in ideas and attitudes between one of the elite F1 teams and Bartech.
It has always been the aim of Bartech to emulate the cutting edge technology, innovation, organisation, and highest standards evident in Formula 1, and it was great to understand more about what makes McLaren tick. It may seem a bit far fetched to think that a company working on boats, oil rigs, in generator rooms and locomotive yards would have that much in common with an F1 team operating an annual budget of $350M which has just returned from the race circuit in Abu Dhabi, but let me share 11 similarities I found…
1. Engineering
The priority for McLaren and Bartech needs to be the engineering. Without this focus, we will not be the best in our fields.
2. Innovation
As Sam put it “innovation and being different is what counts”. It’s not about being the same as everyone else, but putting yourself as the market leader through innovation.
3. Reliability
For an F1 car, as for our customers, reliability is key. Without reliability, the car will not finish the race and our clients will not be able to operate.
4. Attention to detail
With everyone in the team focusing on the fine detail, the results will be the highest standards, consistency and reputation.
5. Dedication
As Sam stated to me, “You need to be committed 24 hours a day, always thinking of the next improvement.” Without that level of desire you will not get better at what you do.
6. Instabilities
Dealing with race cars and operational diesel engine applications is full of complexities requiring problem solving with the application of expert knowledge to overcome the challenges.
7. Ability to Change
For us we need the ability to react quickly to meet the changing demands of our customers. As Sam said, “If you don’t change with the demands you are then relying on others to fail.”
8. Team philosophy
It is the people that make all the key elements work together. The Formula 1 pit lanes are the greatest example of efficient, organised team work as they change the set of tyres in under 2.5 seconds. This level of performance does not happen by accident!
9. Communication
It is vital that everyone understands the core values and work together for a common goal.
10. Structure
McLaren are regularly reviewing their structure, as are Bartech, to ensure we make the best use of our resources to continually improve.
11. Investment
The only way to improve and develop is to continually reinvest time and money in the right areas to give better results. For McLaren, this is hundredths of seconds. For Bartech it is improved services. The right investments need to be made otherwise, like Honda (who’s budget was three times that of McLaren) you may still not achieve your goal.
It was a great experience to get an insight into such an iconic brand, and one which has given me more ideas on how we can continue to improve in our quest to replicate the combination of engineering excellence, innovation and results to provide the best complete diesel engine support for our customers.
Thank you to Sam Michael for his time yesterday and I wish him luck for his future ventures. We also look forward to seeing the continual gains for McLaren on the race circuit next year.
