Lessons from the Motorsport Industry: Working as a Freelancer or Creator

Working in the motorsport industry as a freelancer, content creator, or member of the media is tough. The days are long, the travel can be relentless, and the pace is unlike most other industries. But if you stick with it and take the necessary steps to get started, it can be one of the most rewarding and exciting careers or side hustles that you’ll ever have. Motorsport teaches you quickly that the glamour you see on TV is only the surface of a very deep well. Behind the scenes, it’s a grind, but to the tune of a well-rehearsed orchestra. Everyone knows the part that they play, and it isn't for everyone.

Some good things to take into account when you're trying to get started as a creator or freelancer in the motorsport industry:

The sport is always bigger than you

It can be tempting to get swept up in the world of motorsport - the cars, the drivers, the big names, the big sponsors. But if you’re creating content or freelancing in this space, you are not the main event, which can be a tough pill to swallow when you first start out. The realisation that you are a very small cog in a global machine hits hard, and standing at the foot of the mounting is perhaps the most daunting of the entire journey. The validation and support that we receive online is suddenly erased, the sport is suddenly much bigger and more important than you.

The most important thing is to remember why you're there, and not get caught up in the missed opportunities. Didn't get an invite to the party that everyone is attending tonight? Keep your head down. Wondering why another person has access to a garage that you're not allowed in to? Continue working hard. The lack of responses, ghosting and rejections can be exhausting. Find your niche, work hard and focus on what you want to create. Motorsports is competitive in every aspect of it's industry, especially for creators, media and photographers. Keeping that perspective will help you stay grounded and focused on the work that matters, and the rest will follow.

Follow the rules

This one is non-negotiable and can lead to severe consequences if not taken seriously.

Note that lesson 1: The sport is always bigger than you, highlights that the show must go on. If you try to bend the rules to gain advantage in a world where precision and policy is key, the industry won't look keenly. It won't just be the internet that calls you out either - I've seen photographers who consistently ignored martials on track, journalists who used the media pen to take selfies with drivers, and creators who broadcast private events.

If you push the boundaries of your access, ignore restrictions, or try to sneak into an area you’re not accredited for, your pass can be revoked on the spot. And once it’s gone, so are your opportunities - sometimes permanently. Accreditation in motorsport is a privilege, not a right. Respect the rules, and ask if you're ever unsure. Break them, and you’ll find that door closes very quickly.

They're not rude, they're busy

When you're running (sometimes literally) around a track or paddock, stopping for a chat is virtually impossible. If you're not part of a team, or you're perhaps a journalist working independently, it can be especially lonely during those early seasons where you haven't had much time to connect with others in your bubble. Teams tend to stick together, those from agencies and publications do the same.

Trying to force connections is hard, and when the ignorance can appear as rude, the reality is that they’re just under intense pressure. Everyone in motorsport works to incredibly strict schedules. It doesn’t mean people don’t want to connect with you - in fact, away from the track, many of them are some of the most approachable and humble people you’ll ever meet. Learn to read the room and pick your moments. Timing matters in this industry.

It'll take you longer than you think

Patience is everything in motorsport, and careers don’t happen overnight. Just as drivers spend years climbing through karting, Formula 3 and Formula 2 before they even get a shot at Formula 1, the same goes for freelancers and creators trying to break into the sport. Whilst some are lucky and have opportunities that sky rocket them to a top role in a big team, the reality is that it'll be a long slog. Accepting that earlier helps you to be realistic with your goals, which in turn means you're less likely to burn out. Remember why you started, be ambitious but pace yourself.

It's crucial that you don't look down on smaller gigs - it will take time to build your reputation, get your name known, and earn trust from clients and teams. That might mean grassroots events, endless hours building your portfolio, or pitching stories that never get picked up. Don’t see that as wasted effort either - I've picked up work years after I buried it for a new client. This isn't gospel either - I've seen people work the variety route, going through as many series as they can stack up and it makes for a great portfolio. I've also seen success with those who are hyper-focused on just one series - adjust your situation and skills to find a way that works best for you.