Bernadette Collins

F1 Strategy Analyst, Former Head of Race Strategy at Aston Martin, Forbes 30 Under 30 Honouree

Bernadette Collins’s Biography:

Bernadette Collins is a Formula One Strategy Analyst for Sky Sports and F1TV and one of the most respected strategic thinkers in modern motorsport. Best known for her tenure as Head of Race Strategy for the Aston Martin F1 Team, she has shaped race outcomes at the highest level and built a reputation for calm judgement, precision and deep technical insight. Bernadette, often known as Bernie, has become a leading keynote speaker, admired for her ability to translate the intensity of race strategy into practical lessons for business audiences.

Bernie’s journey began in Northern Ireland, where an early interest in engineering led her to study mechanical engineering at Queen’s University Belfast. Her involvement in the university’s Formula Student programme ignited a passion for motorsport and helped her develop the analytical skills that would define her career. In 2009 she earned a place on the McLaren Racing Graduate Trainee Programme, rotating through departments and gaining a detailed understanding of vehicle systems. She progressed quickly, becoming a Graduate Engineer then a Design Engineer and later a Performance Engineer. During this period she made her first trackside appearance at the German Grand Prix, working closely with 2009 World Champion Jenson Button. Her work on brake balance, throttle mapping and fuel management laid the foundation for her move into race strategy.

Bernie joined Force India in 2015 as a Performance and Strategy Engineer and soon established herself as a key decision maker on the pit wall. Her strategic leadership contributed to consistent top ten finishes and later to Sergio Pérez’s maiden Formula One victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix with Racing Point. That season she stepped into one of the most demanding roles in the sport as Head of Race Strategy for Aston Martin, overseeing critical calls that shaped championship points and team performance. Her achievements earned her recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and an honorary degree from Queen’s University Belfast. In 2022 she founded BC Engineering Consultancy Ltd before stepping fully into broadcasting, where she now provides trusted analysis for global audiences.

Why Hire Bernadette Collins?

Organisations book Bernie Collins for her clarity, authority and ability to make complex strategy feel accessible. She speaks on race decision making, engineering leadership, teamwork under pressure and women excelling in male dominated industries. These themes resonate with teams seeking stronger communication, resilience and confidence when navigating high pressure environments. Her stories from the pit wall, such as calling an unexpected early stop while Pérez fought from the back of the grid, bring these lessons to life in a way that audiences remember. Bernie’s experience, insight and calm presence make her a compelling choice for events aiming to inspire practical, high performance thinking.

Bernadette Collins’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Bernadette Collins’s career in motorsports:

• 2025 – Featured expert in The Red Bulletin on F1 strategy and analysis
• 2023 – F1 Analyst for Sky Sports
• 2022 – Analyst for F1TV
• 2022 – Director of BC Engineering Consultancy Ltd
• 2020 – Head of Race Strategy for Aston Martin F1 Team
• 2016 – Named on Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Manufacturing & Industry in Europe
• 2016 – Senior Strategy Engineer for BWT Racing Point F1 Team2015 – Performance & Strategy Engineer for Sahara Force India
• 2013 – Performance Engineer for McLaren Racing
• 2012 – Ambassador for the Make It In Great Britain campaign
• 2011 – Design Engineer for McLaren Racing
• 2010 – Graduate Engineer for McLaren Racing
• 2009 – Graduate Trainee at McLaren Racing