Tim Fung, the CEO of Airtasker, has always had a passion for Formula 1. To him, the precision and skill required to measure the distance between a car’s front wing is nothing short of “badass.” And now, through a groundbreaking partnership between Airtasker and Racing Bulls, he is on a mission to bring attention to the unsung heroes behind the scenes of the championship.
Airtasker, an online marketplace that connects individuals needing tasks completed with those who can fulfill them, is stepping into the world of Formula 1 for the first time in anticipation of the 2025 season. Their innovative ‘Team Behind the Dream’ program aims to spotlight the various members of the Racing Bulls team who often go unnoticed but play crucial roles in the success of a modern F1 team.
The idea for this unique collaboration began to take shape for Tim Fung during his visit to the Marina Bay paddock at the Singapore Grand Prix last year. As he observed a technician meticulously measuring parts of the car using a LiDAR detector, Fung was captivated by the dedication and skill involved in these behind-the-scenes tasks.
Speaking to Autosport Business, Fung shared his excitement, saying, “There was a guy who was measuring parts of the car using a LiDAR detector. I was like, ‘that is freaking awesome!’ That is people doing jobs at the highest level, and we saw this incredible storytelling opportunity around all these people doing these jobs.”
The partnership with Racing Bulls is not just a marketing strategy for Airtasker but a genuine appreciation for the unsung heroes of Formula 1. Chief garage technician Renzo Milanello, assistant team coordinator Edward Hewitt, and executive assistant Danni Culff are among the first trio to receive the Airtasker treatment as part of this initiative.
While many companies may opt for celebrity endorsements, Fung and his team at Airtasker were drawn to the unique stories and work ethic found within the world of Formula 1. Instead of investing in expensive partnerships with celebrities, they found inspiration in the dedicated individuals behind the scenes, such as those scrubbing tires or moving HVAC units in the paddock.
Fung explained, “I found that when you do cool, creative brand stuff, you don’t need to have strategies. Some of these jobs probably only exist in the world of Formula 1, and not many people know about them. They have cool stories that embody the team behind the dream.”
The decision to partner with Racing Bulls was a natural fit for Airtasker, as both share a spirit of ambition and determination. Fung noted, “It is exciting for sure. We have a go-getter spirit, and while it is a team really going places, Red Bulls definitely has that spirit of an underdog team – we love that and couldn’t think of anyone who fits in better with us.”
As Airtasker expands its reach into the world of Formula 1, their focus on highlighting the unsung heroes of the sport brings a new perspective to the championship. Through this partnership, they hope to shed light on the essential roles that often go unnoticed but are integral to the success of a modern F1 team.
For those who may only see the glamour and speed of Formula 1 on race day, Airtasker’s initiative serves as a reminder that behind every roaring engine and checkered flag, there are dedicated individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all possible. The stories of these unsung heroes are finally getting the recognition they deserve, thanks to partnerships like the one between Airtasker and Racing Bulls.