After graduating from Cambridge, James put his engineering skills to immediate use in Formula One by joining the aero department of Benetton in 1991. A couple of years later he moved to Larrousse as Head of Aerodynamics before returning to Enstone for a second time with Benetton, this time as Head of Aerodynamics in the mid-1990s. A five-year spell with Ferrari began in 2000 as James oversaw trackside aerodynamic operations during the most successful time in the Scuderia’s history.

In 2005 James returned to Enstone to join the Renault F1 Team in the role of Deputy Technical Director as the team won back-to-back drivers’ and constructors’ world championships.

In 2009 James moved to his current role as Technical Director.

What’s the best looking F1 car ever?

The Renault F1 R25. It had a pretty livery and looked neat and aggressive from every angle. I really liked the era of all the flicks, winglets and chimneys on the bodywork, which are no longer allowed by the regulations.

Best car you’ve ever worked on?

Although I have lots of happy memories of cars from previous seasons, I only really ever care about the one we are working on right now.

Best racing memory?

Definitely being at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2005 when the Renault F1 Team won its first constructors’ title. We came to that race and surprised everybody with the pace of our car.

Favourite track?

Suzuka – simply because of the number of amazing corners in the lap. It’s one of the old school circuits and is a real challenge for the drivers. I particularly like turn one and the ‘S’ curves, which are one of the best places to appreciate the performance of an F1 car.