Steve Nichols, Head Car Designer in McLaren’s title-winning 1988 season Sir Patrick Head, former Williams Technical Director Mika Hakkinen, two-time World Champion with McLarenĪlan Jones, 1980 World Champion at Williams

Plus, Neil tells Tom how the role of engineer and driver has evolved, how he’s still helping McLaren today, and much more.įollow, rate and review F1 Beyond The Grid and share this episode using #F1BeyondTheGrid. He reveals what it was like to work with some of the greatest drivers and to have a front-row seat for Senna and Prost’s fierce rivalry. In a fascinating conversation with Tom Clarkson, Neil relives some of the most iconic memories from his extraordinary career. From 1989 to 1999, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Mika Hakkinen all won World Championships in cars designed by Oatley. But it was as McLaren’s chief designer when Neil really certified his status as one of the most influential engineers of all time. Neil first made a name for himself as a race engineer at Williams in the late 1970’s, playing a huge part in the team’s first Grand Prix victory and subsequent World Championships for Alan Jones and Keke Rosberg in the early 80’s.

Such longevity equals legacy in this sport. His wisdom and expertise has served F1 for nearly half a decade. That history wouldn’t exist without the genius of people like Neil Oatley. The team has won eight Constructor titles and produced some of the most distinguished World Champions to grace the sport. McLaren’s prestige in Formula 1 is built on the foundations of legendary success.

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