Formula 1 Technical Director and High-Performance Engineering Leader, Geoffrey Willis has played a central role in championship-winning programmes with Williams, BAR Honda, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG Petronas. Beyond Formula 1, he has driven innovation through Mercedes Applied Science and INEOS Britannia’s America’s Cup campaign. Renowned for advancing simulation, aerodynamics and data-led design, Geoffrey brings a depth of technical expertise combined with leadership at the highest level.
EXPERTISE
Engineering and Championship Innovation: Educated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, Geoffrey specialised in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics before completing a PhD in Engineering Science at Exeter University. Geoffrey joined Williams in 1990 following a demonstration of CFD’s potential for racing car aerodynamics. As Chief Aerodynamicist, working closely with Adrian Newey, he helped develop the aerodynamic tools that underpinned Williams’ dominance throughout the 1990s, contributing to five Constructors’ Championships.
Technical Leadership: In 2001, Geoffrey became Technical Director at British American Racing, guiding the team through its transition into Honda Racing and achieving second place in the 2004 Constructors’ Championship. He later reunited with Adrian Newey at Red Bull Technology in 2007, helping to build the technical foundations that delivered four consecutive World Championships. Further senior roles followed at Hispania Racing and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1, where as Technology Director he oversaw aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and dyno programmes, contributing to Mercedes’ unprecedented era of eight consecutive Constructors’ titles.
Mercedes Applied Science & Technology Transfer: In 2020, Geoffrey was appointed Technical Director of Mercedes Applied Science, leading the transfer of Formula 1 technologies into sectors including automotive, cycling and marine engineering. His work demonstrated how high-performance methodologies, simulation and systems integration can deliver competitive advantage far beyond motorsport.
INEOS Britannia & America’s Cup: Through collaboration with INEOS, Geoffrey led the technical partnership for INEOS Britannia’s America’s Cup campaign. As Technical Director, he built and led a multidisciplinary team combining Formula 1 and marine engineering expertise. This culminated in the launch of RB3 Britannia in 2024 and victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup, securing the UK’s first America’s Cup final appearance since 1964.
SPEAKER TOPICS
- Leadership, Culture & Capability Building: How leadership behaviours, organisational culture and long-term capability development underpin sustained success in high-performance environments.
- Innovation Under Pressure: The evolution and drivers of design, decision-making and performance.
- Strategic Thinking in Fast-Paced Environments: Critical decision-making and leading under pressure.
Book Geoffrey Willis for your next event
Geoff specialises in keynote presentations, sharing an insight-led perspective shaped by his experience in elite motorsport.
