A man from Milton Keynes who spent three years of his childhood bedbound is now working his dream role as an Aerodynamic Design Engineer for Oracle Red Bull Racing.
George Richardson - who is just 23 years old - graduated with a first‑class honours from the University of Hertfordshire last year and mmediately secured his dream role as a full‑time engineer with the prestigious Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
His appointment followed his achievement as Red Bull Racing & Red Bull Technology’s first Degree Apprentice, completing the programme with a Distinction in October 2025.
Once a healthy, active child, his life changed dramatically at 12 when he developed ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) , leaving him unable to stand or attend school for almost three years.
“I woke up one morning and I simply couldn’t get out of bed,” said George, speaking to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (NAW26) which begins today.
“Many thought it was psychosomatic, but my family supported me throughout.”
It ended up taking nine months to get an official diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – something that came as something of a “bittersweet relief” for George and his family. However, diagnosis didn’t mean an immediate recovery: and for almost three years, George was either in bed or on the sofa.
With steady physiotherapy and determination, George slowly rebuilt his strength. But the impact on his education was significant.
“The school would send me work to do but I was too brain fogged to do much. I missed practically three years of schooling, and my mum was told I wouldn’t amount to anything.”
A key turning point came when George successfully applied to Silverstone UTC, the motorsport focused technical college near the home of British Formula One. Despite concerns about his health and energy levels, the college recognised his passion, and George flourished.
Just as his future looked assured, COVID19 hit - and the apprenticeship George had worked so hard for collapsed. He ended up working in retail for a year while he applied for other apprenticeships – and was rejected over 20 times.
Refusing to give up, he eventually beat more than 500 other candidates to secure a highly regarded Degree Apprentice with aerospace company Leonardo through the University of Hertfordshire. He was ecstatic.
But the transition was tricky at first. A loss of confidence from his previous setbacks and year off, and also a time marked by the loss of his beloved grandfather, George struggled to manage his work and studies, and his grades fell dramatically.
“The moment that switched it for me was I'd completely failed my Fluid Mechanics exam,” he says. “I decided it was time for a reset, and changed how I revised, asked for help from my university tutors, and became more disciplined.”
He still didn't expect to secure the Oracle Red Bull Racing position when he applied, but theyinstantly offered him a job – and even agreed to transfer his apprenticeship to finish it with them.
“I’d applied thinking I’d have no chance – so when they said they wanted me I was absolutely over the moon,” he says.
Now, as an Aerodynamic Design Engineer for Oracle Red Bull Racing, George turns aerodynamic concepts into components for wind tunnel testing.
“My role is about problem-solving - turning CFD (computational fluid dynamics) surfaces into real parts within days,” he said. “The pace in Formula One is relentless, and that’s what I love.
George recognises that his story is one of resilience and determination, and has advice for those on a similar path.
“Stay positive, ask for help when you need it, and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something," he said, "Work hard, persevere, and believe in yourself.”
Celeste Jones, Associate Director of Apprenticeships at the University of Hertfordshire, added: “George’s journey is a powerful reminder of what apprenticeships make possible. They offer not just a route into employment, but a new source of purpose, confidence and opportunity. We are incredibly proud to have supported him on his path to Formula One.”
