Redefining the race: James Dornor’s mission for a more inclusive motorsport

Motorsport has long been a world defined by speed, precision, and cutting-edge engineering. Yet, behind the roaring engines and high-stakes competition, the industry has struggled with a lack of diversity and representation. James Dornor, a British-born, award-winning systems engineer of Ghanaian heritage, is on a mission to change that. Known for his expertise in Formula 1, high-performance automotive engineering, and his commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion, James Dornor is redefining what it means to be part of the motorsport industry.

A Journey Fuelled by Determination

Born in 1988 in Harrow, North West London, James Dornor’s path to success was anything but easy. Born prematurely at just 24 weeks, he faced significant challenges from the start. At the age of 6, he lost his father, and his family endured financial struggles, moving frequently between council houses.

Despite these hardships, James Dornor remained focused on his education and passion for engineering. His journey into the automotive world began with an industrial placement at BMW Mini Oxford in 2009, a stepping stone that led him to a career in motorsport engineering.

Making His Mark in Motorsport Engineering

James Dornor’s breakthrough came in 2010, when he secured a work experience opportunity at McLaren, one of the most prestigious names in Formula 1 and high-performance automotive engineering. His talent and work ethic earned him a permanent position, marking the beginning of an exceptional career.

During his tenure at McLaren Automotive and McLaren GT, James contributed to the development of some of the brand’s most iconic models, including the McLaren 12C, 650S, and P1.As a Customer Support Engineer and Lead Development Engineer for GT3 and GT4 (now GT4 Artura) racing cars respectively  showcased his technical expertise and leadership abilities.

In 2017, James Dornor transitioned to Formula 1, joining the Haas F1 Team as a Trackside Electronics Engineer. A year later, he returned to McLaren Racing, where he worked as a Systems Support Engineer, specialising in trackside systems development and car testing. His work supported the careers of rising F1 stars, including Lando Norris.

By 2020, James Dornor had joined the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, working within the Heritage division on all on car and off car systems. Here, he was responsible for maintaining and optimising the electronics systems of legendary F1 cars driven by Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, George Russell, and Nico Rosberg.

Championing Inclusion: The Birth of Driven By Us

While James Dornor’s engineering achievements are remarkable, his mission extends beyond the racetrack. Recognising the lack of ethnic diversity in motorsport, he founded Driven By Us in April 2023, a community-driven organisation focused on mentorship, STEM education, and increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry.

Under Dornor’s leadership, DBU became the first ethnically-led organisation recognised as a club by Motorsport UK (between April 2023 – November 2024), a historic milestone in the push for inclusivity. Through mentorship programs, career workshops, and networking events, DBU has already helped several women of colour secure roles in Formula 1 and automotive engineering.

In recognition of his groundbreaking efforts, James Dornor received the Points of Light Award from former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP in 2023, celebrating their contributions to fostering inclusion in motorsport.

Beyond the Track: Engineering Change

James Dornor’s expertise extends beyond motorsport. He is currently a Principal Systems Engineer at Leonardo, where he works on Surveillance Radar technology used in critical security operations, including search and rescue missions.

As a qualified STEM ambassador, he is committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers, frequently delivering motivational talks and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. His message is clear: talent should be the only barrier to success, not race, gender, or background.

Shaping the Future of Motorsport

James Dornor’s vision is not just about breaking barriers, it’s about systemic change. Through Driven By Us, he is actively working to build a sustainable pipeline for diverse talent in motorsport and beyond.

With his expertise, advocacy, and unwavering dedication,  James Dornor is ensuring that the future of motorsport is not just about who crosses the finish line first, but about who gets the opportunity to race at all.