Aisha Hanif

Aisha Hanif is an engineer, founder and keynote speaker whose career has placed her at the forefront of Formula One and high-performance automotive engineering. As one of only five engineers to work directly on ECU software used across every Formula One car globally, Aisha has built a reputation for combining exceptional technical expertise with a passion for opening doors for others. Through her work across elite motorsport and her commitment to championing diversity, leadership and STEM careers, she has become an inspiring voice for audiences seeking practical insight, resilience and innovation. Her engaging and authentic approach, paired with first-hand experience at the highest level of engineering, makes her a sought-after keynote speaker for academic institutions, businesses and industry events.

Aisha graduated from the University of Manchester with a First Class degree in Chemical Engineering before completing an Advanced Motorsport Engineering MSc at Cranfield University. Early in her career, she worked as a Health and Technical Safety Co-ordinator at GKN Automotive before volunteering within a race team to gain valuable hands-on motorsport experience. She then joined McLaren Applied as a Graduate Embedded Software Engineer, further strengthening her expertise in advanced vehicle systems. Her career progressed into Business Development at SDO Associates before becoming Interim Project Manager at Ginetta Cars, where she led end-to-end vehicle programmes. She later became Project Planner for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, overseeing complex Formula One car projects. Alongside her engineering career, Aisha founded The Unconventional Group Ltd, reflecting her commitment to empowering ambitious professionals and broadening access to opportunities within engineering and motorsport.

Aisha has shared her expertise with audiences across the engineering, education and corporate sectors. She contributed her technical knowledge to the production and filming of Channel 4’s ‘Pile Up: World’s Largest Crash Test’, demonstrating her ability to communicate complex engineering concepts to wider audiences. She has also delivered talks for the Motorsport Industry Association, Cranfield University, Oxford Brookes University, Motivez and Driven By Us. These appearances have established her as a respected advocate for diversity in motorsport and an engaging communicator who inspires future engineers and leaders.

Whether addressing global organisations, universities or industry conferences, Aisha combines practical experience with honest insights into leadership, resilience and career progression. Her keynote topics include diversity in motorsport, STEM, career development, female leadership and professional and personal growth. Drawing on experiences from Formula One, elite automotive engineering and entrepreneurship, she equips audiences with actionable lessons that challenge assumptions, encourage innovation and inspire confidence. Her rare combination of technical excellence, commercial understanding and compelling storytelling makes Aisha an outstanding keynote speaker for organisations looking to motivate, educate and drive meaningful change.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Aisha Hanif’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Project Planner for Aston Martin F1 Team 
  • 2024 – Interim Project Manager for Ginetta Cars
  • 2024 – Business Development Associate at SDO Associates 
  • 2023 – Graduate Embedded Software Engineer at McLaren Applied
  • 2022 – Race Team Volunteer 
  • 2022 – Completed an Advanced Motorsport Engineering MSc at Cranfield University
  • 2021 – Health and Technical Safety Co-Ordinator at GKN Automotive 
  • 2018 – Graduated from the University of Manchester with a First-Class degree in Chemical Engineering