My job in F1: Raikkonen's race engineer
In the first of a new series delving into the work of those behind-the-scenes figures in the Formula 1 paddock, Kimi Raikkonen's race engineer Julien Simon-Chautemps explains his role
There are many people that Formula 1 fans don't see on TV, but who perform a vital function in helping to keep the F1 circus moving. These range from mechanics to physios, hospitality managers and PR executives.
In the first instalment of a new series on Autosport.com, we'll be bringing you their personal stories, starting with Kimi Raikkonen's race engineer Julien Simon-Chautemps.
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After attempting to study engineering, Oleg was thrown out of his Moscow university for spending more time at the racetrack as a junior press officer for the national Lada racing series than attending lectures. His first job as a journalist was at the Soviet Sport newspaper, and in 2011 he moved to Berlin to pursue a freelance career in Formula 1. He joined Motorsport.com in 2015 and became a contributor to GP Racing magazine in 2021. When it's not race week, he plays squash every Wednesday and Sunday and likes to procrastinate by playing chess, with his Elo peaking at 2099 on one of the biggest online chess platforms.
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