It’s not just the team principal or the technical director who builds the success of teams in F1. For an engineer to come up with good ideas, he must feel good in his work environment. And this is the role brilliantly fulfilled by Daniel Gallo, the head of human resources at McLaren F1.
At McLaren F1, workplace well-being programs have been implemented: mental health workshops are offered to employees; As for nursing and daycare services, they have been greatly strengthened. In two months, McLaren will also open a new wellness center at its Surrey site, with a “state-of-the-art” gym.
However, human resources are above all resources for performance: while affirming his humanism and benevolence, David Gallo, who spoke for the Raconteur site, did not forget the end of the ends of his mission.
“In sport, everything we do must be performance-oriented. This remains true whether it is the performance of the drivers, the car or the team working at the McLaren F1 Technology Center in Woking. »
“We must invest in the well-being of our staff. We believe that human performance equals car performance – and this is a fundamental competitive differentiator for us. »
Of course Gallo doesn’t ‘manage’ Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri on a day to day basis, but rather the employees of the Woking team.
But what exactly does his job consist of?
“I am better able to manage the team’s workforce, I will leave the elite athletes to people more qualified than me. »
Gallo also pays close attention to…employees’ stomachs.
“The same care and attention that is given to the diet prepared for our racing team and athletes is given to those who work at the factory. This is necessary because some tasks are very physically and mentally demanding. »
Gallo also looks after mental health at McLaren F1. He’s making sure the blame culture is a distant memory of the Ron Dennis era…
“We’re going to make mistakes, that’s the nature of innovation and pushing boundaries. It’s about owning those mistakes and seeing failure as an opportunity to learn, adapt, apply and start again. »
Another advantage of having a healthy working environment: employees will stay with you longer… instead of leaving for the competition, as very frequently happens in F1.
“Culture cannot be bought. It must make people want to stay with you for the long term and the stability of the workforce is a key element of performance. »
But isn’t burnout the number one risk in F1? We know that this sport is ultra-competitive and that if you sleep at night, the competition may keep their eyes open… What can Gallo say? Does he admit that F1 is almost untenable?
“We recognize that for people to make a discretionary investment in our organization, their family and friends must provide support and make sacrifices. »
This is why families are regularly invited to watch the Grand Prix in Woking… with their family. Even if it’s still combining family and work!
“Working in Formula 1 is intense and we expect a lot from our employees, so it’s not an environment that suits everyone” admet Gallo.
“Obviously there are wonderful aspects of working in this sport, but it’s not a nine-to-five job. Demand is high and you will be required to work weekends and sometimes late evenings. »
Related News :