This week we’re joined by Michael Taylor, IT Director at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, to learn about the exciting factory and trackside-based world of F1, and the challenges and technologies that shape its unique IT environment.
From working at his local borough council to spearheading IT at one of the world’s top-performing F1 teams, Michael Taylor has some captivating stories to share with our listeners this week. F1’s deadline-driven and real-time demands on IT services mean that failure is never an option, so teams must deliver best performance at all times. We were fascinated to hear how Michael meets these challenges by focusing on processes and people as the key drivers, with technology as the enabler, to perpetuate operational excellence in his challenging industry.
Our chat with Michael also reveals how the industry’s reactive and always-on nature are mirrored in his leadership. Having fused Digital Engineering Transformation with IT and turned a factory and trackside-based IT operation remote – both in the middle of a pandemic – Michael knows a thing or two about thriving in a crisis. He also highlights the importance of technology partnerships for this success, using the example of Pure Storage, whose solutions were instrumental in providing crucial remote installation services as the pandemic hit.
Listen to the full episode to unlock insights on:
• How 2021’s new financial regulations for F1 are challenging every aspect of the industry – from design, development and manufacturing, to finance, legal and IT
• How the team is diversifying into applied science, and how this will shape future developments in F1
• Challenges around optimising mobile IT environments, and running environments in over 20 remote locations simultaneously
• Michael’s advice on forming and executing a strategic vision for your business
The full podcast is available now on all major streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.
I’m a strange IT leader where I’m less excited by technology – I always say that’s the easy part. I’m more excited by people and process and the ability to deliver organisational, operational excellence”
Michael Taylor,
IT Director,
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
Michael Taylor
IT Director, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
Michael has been with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team since 2015, becoming IT Director in 2020. He’s a business-aligned leader who has led and managed multi-disciplined global IT teams. He has an impressive track record of designing, implementing and maintaining cost effective solutions that draw on appropriate technologies to deliver on business requirements with speed and efficiency.
Welcome to The CEO.digital Show, a new peer-to-peer podcast series where we’ll be talking to influential thought leaders about how tech is continuing to change the way the world does business.
The CEO.digital Show is brought to you by hosts Darcie Thompson-Fields and Craig McCartney. Each week, we’ll be interviewing major thought and industry leaders to learn how they are embracing new technologies and strategies to create new value and success for their companies. Find us on all major podcast streaming platforms.
