Haas announces big news: The first woman in F1 history to hold this position.

German engineer Laura Müller has made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a race engineer in Formula 1.

She will take on this groundbreaking role with the Haas F1 Team, where she will be responsible for guiding French driver Esteban Ocon throughout the 2025 season. Müller’s appointment is a significant milestone in motorsport, as race engineers play a crucial role in a driver’s performance, making real-time strategic decisions and providing technical guidance during races. She will work closely with Ocon, who previously competed for Alpine, while his 19-year-old teammate, Oliver Bearman, will be overseen by Ronan O’Hare.

A Merit-Based Appointment

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized that Müller’s selection was based entirely on merit rather than gender.

“I didn’t choose Laura because she’s a woman. We don’t consider nationality or gender when making these decisions. What matters is the ability to work effectively within the team and maximize performance. Laura’s work ethic, technical expertise, and determination make her the ideal choice for this role. We believe she is a great fit for Esteban and will help us achieve strong results,“ Komacu explained.

Major Changes at Haas Ahead of 2025

Müller’s appointment is part of a broader restructuring within Haas as the team aims to become more competitive. The American outfit has undergone significant changes ahead of the new season, not only introducing a fresh driver lineup but also strengthening its leadership team.

For the first time, Haas will have a dedicated chief strategist, with French motorsport expert Carine Cridelich stepping into the role. Francesco Nenci has been named the new chief race engineer, while Mark Lowe will take over as the team’s sporting director.

The addition of Müller and Cridelich marks a progressive shift for Haas and highlights Formula 1’s ongoing efforts to increase diversity in engineering and strategic roles within the sport. With a revitalized team structure and fresh talent behind the wheel, Haas hopes to improve on past performances and establish itself as a stronger competitor on the grid.