This may be the closest I will ever come to knowing how a Formula 1 driver feels standing on the podium in second place – close, but not close enough to take the win.
My journey to become a Red Bull Intern ended yesterday when I received a phone call from the lovely Jack at Red Bull in London. I’d spoken to him the previous week as he was kind enough to help me negotiate a phone interview when it transpired that I wouldn’t be able to make the chosen interview date. He gave me some feedback from my phone interview on Monday and let me down as gently as he could – not a task that I would relish repeating 40+ times. Disappointed as I am not to be spending a month later this summer engrossed in F1 action every day, I’m still delighted to have made it as far as I did. After all, if this was an Formula 1 race I’d have finished in the points – not bad for a rookie!
It’s been four months since I passed the initial test on Red Bull’s website and it’s been wonderful journey ever since. I’ve met some lovely people on the way and I’ve had the opportunity to genuinely consider what I want to do in the future. Is a career in Formula 1 ahead of me? Perhaps. But for the time being I’m going to take a step back and enjoy the summer with my friends and family.
To all those who have supported me along the way, thank you. It’s been a wonderful experience and insight into the family of F1 fans around the world. Formula 1 is an amazing sport and it’s thanks to the support of the fans that it continues to thrive every season.
I want to wish the chosen candidates and Red Bull Racing all future success. This has been a wonderful idea and I hope you consider doing it again in the future to give more F1 fans the chance to get involved.
But for now – goodbye, adios, adieu
Helen.