Introduction
Jon Tomlinson (born January 9, 1973) is a British Formula One aerodynamicist, currently working in the position of Head of Aerodynamics at the Lotus F1 Team, having previously worked for the Jordan, Renault and Williams Formula One teams.
Career
After completing a BSc Industrial Design degree at Brunel University in 1995, he was appointed a Design Engineer role for Handford Racing Services Ltd, working on aerodynamic development of Newman-Haas Racing's Lola Indycars. In 1996, he became an Aerodynamicist for Swift Engineering Ltd. in California, developing the 1997 and 1998 race winning Swift Indycars. In 1998 he became Chief Aerodynamicist for Precision Preparation Inc./Cal Wells Racing, also in California, until 2000. He then returned to the UK, entered Formula One with the Jordan Grand Prix team as Senior Aerodynamicist, until 2002 when Renault F1 hired him as a Senior Aerodynamicist, before his promotion to Deputy Head of Aerodynamics in 2003. It is in this position that he was heavily involved in the back-to-back 2005/2006 World Championship wins.
In November 2006, Williams F1 hired him as Head of Aerodynamics. After 5 years in this position, he resigned at the beginning of May 2011, after Williams' troubled start to the 2011 Formula One season.
He is currently working at the Lotus F1 Team, in the position of Principal Aerodynamicist.
Personal life
Tomlinson lives with his wife Caroline and their two children, in Bodicote, Oxfordshire.