Gary Foote is the Chief Information Officer and Director of Sustainability at the Haas Formula 1 Team. Since 2016, he has been responsible for all technology systems, services, teams and staff for Haas F1’s global operations across sites in the UK, US, Italy and trackside. Reporting directly to the Team Principal, Gary’s role is pivotal in ensuring the Haas team benefits from best-in-class technology solutions within this data-driven sport.
After studying BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Networks at the University of Derby, Gary joined Cosworth Technology as a Trackside Systems Support Engineer. In this role, he gained experience as a primary trackside support engineer at the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport championship while also providing ad hoc support in numerous racing series, such as FIA-GT, WRC, BTCC, WTC, and MotoGP. In 2008, Gary became a Trackside IT Engineer for Honda Racing F1’s Test Team. This position involved travelling to all tests and several races to maintain trackside IT infrastructure.
Having joined the Brawn GP F1 team as a Senior Technical Systems Engineer, Gary played a role in the team’s 2009 FIA F1 World Championship victory. As a Senior IT member of a small but dedicated IT team, he provided hands-on support and project management to Brawn GP. In 2011, Gary moved to Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd. Initially working as an IT Support Desk Manager, he became Trackside IT Manager in 2012 and then IT Service Delivery Manager in 2015. Responsible for IT service both at the track and at UK headquarters, Gary assisted the team in achieving consecutive FIA F1 World Championships.
Gary holds several positions outside of his role at Haas. He is a member of the board of trustees of SSNAP (an Oxfordshire charity specialising in neonatal care) and a trustee at Tove Learning Trust, a multi-academy Education Trust.
A strong supporter of diversity and STEM education, he also volunteers as a coach, mentor, and guide to a group of students aged 8 to 14 who are competing in the UK FIRST Lego League (FLL) competition.
In addition to his diverse and extensive work experience in the technology and motorsport industries, Gary is a Fellow of the British Computing Society and has been recognised as one of the top 100 Chief Information Officers in the UK in both 2021 and 2022.
Since the late 1980s, Formula One has embraced a data-driven culture focused on marginal gains and continuous improvement. Teams use data to manage risk, optimize performance, and make fast decisions. Data analytics help drivers, engineers, and staff diagnose issues and solve problems, while robust security systems protect global information flow. Big Data's impact is accelerating with technologies like AI, machine learning, and additive manufacturing. Attendees will learn how F1 uses data to enhance all aspects of its operations.
Formula One aims for carbon neutrality by 2030, with plans to eliminate fossil fuels by 2024. Already using AI in manufacturing and race strategy, F1 has run petrol-electric hybrid engines since 2014, including the most energy-efficient ever produced. The sport is pioneering green technologies to decarbonize the industry and impact wider transport sectors. F1’s commitment to eliminating emissions tells a powerful story of profound change and environmental sustainability.
