A graduate from University of Salford has spoken of his pride after helping one of Formula One’s biggest teams secure a 1-2 finish in the opening race of the 2026 season.

Jonathan Wheater, who graduated with a First Class Degree in Mechanical Engineering, now works as a Graduate Manufacturing Engineer at Mercedes AMG High Performance Power-trains, where he has been involved in developing the team’s new engine for this season.

In the opening race of the 2026 season, the Mercedes team claimed both first and second place, marking a perfect start to their campaign.

Jonathan said: “My first experience within the world in F1 has been nothing short of astounding and it is everything I was hoping for, and more. The feeling of seeing our cars come across the line first and second were a sense of relief, but also raw pride and excitement, we could not have hoped for a more perfect start and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the season holds for us as a team.

“As a Manufacturing Engineer, I have been working to develop components within the top-end of the engine – typically small, intricate components for the valve-train, but I have even been able to support other areas of the power unit, notably having major involvement with the exhaust system”

“There has been a lot of development up to this point, meaning a lot of long days, a lot of considerations to designs and being flexible to changes. As manufacturing engineer’s we had to be able to react and produce instantly, every single hour counted and that is no exaggeration.

“But together we have managed to produce something which can fight for the championship, knowing I am playing a part in that is incomparable to anything else, it has what I have wanted to do since I was a kid. I am truly privileged to have this opportunity to be working alongside and learn from the best of the best at the pinnacle of motor-sport.”

While at Salford, Jonathan took part in the university’s Formula Student racing team, gaining experience both on track and in car design. He also accessed the Maker-space facilities, which are open to students interested in manufacturing and creative projects.

He added: “Without a doubt, Salford Racing and Formula Student was what prepared me for my role within Formula 1.

“You are surrounded by other students who are trying to learn and it creates an environment where you can try things, break things, try again, again and again. It is the ideal place to develop core skill-sets which are important for the early foundations of your career, not only for prospective engineers, but students who study media, business, finance, logistics – nothing else in comparison prepares you for a job in Formula 1 or any motor-sport like this does.

“I also need to mention the Maker-space and everyone who is involved there as it was the ideal playground to learn the key skills needed for my role and is particularly unique to The University of Salford.”

As the new season gets underway, the Salford graduate is now part of a team already showing strong potential in the championship race.