Mathias
Potter

Aerodynamics & Motorsport Engineering

Final-year MEng Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southampton, on track for a first. Worked on CFD, FEA, experimental flow measurement and building my own simulation tools.

Southampton, UK
Mathias Potter
1st On track in MEng Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
3 Engineering placements across aerodynamics, structures and software
6 Person research team, proposed and led by me
Education

MEng Aeronautical &
Astronautical Engineering

University of Southampton

September 2023 to June 2027

1st on track

Specialising in aerodynamics, computational methods and experimental measurement, with a final year built almost entirely around motorsport and applied aerodynamics.

Final-year modules

Race Car Aerodynamics Applications of CFD Experimental Methods for Aerodynamics Turbulence Advanced Aerospace Engineering Management

Earlier relevant modules

Advanced AerodynamicsDigital Aerospace (CFD & FEA) Aero-thermodynamicsControl Engineering DesignMaterials & Structures

Applied F1 Aerodynamics Program

Racetrack Dynamics · September 2026

Two-day program, The Complete Guide to Aerodynamics in F1, with a place awarded with a High Distinction scholarship due to the strength of my application. Includes direct engineering mentorship sessions and a 1-to-1 consultation with ex-Red Bull Racing F1 aerodynamicists.

F1 aerodynamicsMentorshipScholarship
Racetrack Dynamics certificate of completion
Major projects

The three projects I'm proudest of

Group Design Project

MotoGP Cornering Aerodynamics

Final-year Group Design Project · Self-proposed · 2026–27

Motorcycle aerodynamics at 45–60° lean, the regime where a bike spends a large portion of its lap time and one largely absent from open literature. I proposed the project, secured approval for 2026/27, and lead the six-person team delivering it.

Wind tunnelCFDVehicle aerodynamics
CAD of the 50%-scale MotoGP wind tunnel model with rider
Individual research project

Retroreflective PIV for Flow Measurement Around a Thick Aerofoil with a Gurney Flap

University of Southampton · Submitted May 2026

A feasibility study of retroreflective particle image velocimetry as an alternative to conventional laser-sheet PIV, tested in a water tunnel across five angles of attack and five speeds. Awarded a first.

PIVWater tunnelExperimental methods
Velocity field around the thick aerofoil with a Gurney flap, measured with retroreflective PIV
Self-directed

F1 Lap-Time Simulator & Setup Optimiser

Python · NumPy, SciPy, FastF1 · Summer 2026

A quasi-steady-state lap-time simulator correlated against real Formula 1 telemetry. Judged on RMS error across the full speed trace rather than lap time alone, it recovers the correct setup direction per circuit from track geometry.

PythonVehicle dynamicsOptimisation
Simulated speed trace overlaid on real F1 telemetry for the Monza pole lap
Placements

Three placements, three industries

Aerodynamic test data, structural design and manufacture, and shipping production software.

Engineering

Jun to Jul 2026 5 weeks

Argo Engineering Solutions

Engineering Intern, Marine Structures

Structures

Structural engineering consultancy working across composites, aluminium and high-strength steel.

  • Produced engineering drawings and CAD models for live marine structural projects, to real client drawing standards
  • Combined design work with hands-on practical and workshop experience, seeing how design decisions translate into manufacture
CADTechnical drawingCompositesWorkshop
Jun to Sept 2025 3 months

Anemoi Marine Technologies

Engineering Intern, Aerodynamics & Structures

Aerodynamics

Supported aerodynamic and structural projects on rotor sail systems: wind-assisted ship propulsion using the Magnus effect.

  • Developed MATLAB tools to process experimental test data and support rotor sail installation and calibration
  • Analysed performance data and translated the results into conclusions used by both engineering and commercial teams
  • Produced CAD models, drawings and technical documentation across multidisciplinary projects
MATLABTest dataAerodynamicsCAD

Software

Aug to Sept 2026 4 weeks

Meraki Group

Software Engineer

Delivery

Building and shipping production software in a two-person team.

  • Delivered multiple client-facing CRM systems, from requirement through to working product
  • Rebuilt the company's main internal and external hub, an existing system in active use that required changes without disrupting live functionality
  • Shipped through a GitHub branch-and-review workflow, with review and verification on everything released
Git / GitHubProduction delivery
Certificate of completion from Racetrack Dynamics for The Complete Guide to Aerodynamics in F1, awarded to Mathias Potter, 12 and 13 September 2026