Bob Fernley, a close associate of Vijay Mallya, played a pivotal role in the success of the Force India Formula 1 team. From its inception in 2008 until the summer of 2018, when Lawrence Stroll took over the team and rebranded it as Racing Point, Fernley served as the team’s deputy team principal. However, his involvement in motorsport extended beyond his tenure with Force India.
Born in Stockport, Fernley initially entered the world of Formula 1 through the Ensign team in the early 1980s. During this time, he supported his close friend Jim Crawford in winning the 1982 British championship title. Following their stint with Ensign, the duo transitioned to the CanAm series, where Crawford achieved second place in 1983 and 1984 driving a converted Ensign car. Fernley’s involvement in motorsport also extended to IndyCar, where he managed the Canadian Tire team alongside Jacques Villeneuve Sr. He also oversaw the Mike Curb entry for Ed Pimm in the 1986 Indianapolis 500.
After his involvement in racing, Fernley ventured into various other industries. He worked on projects related to carbon fiber technology in the Chinese space program and the Danish fishing industry. Additionally, he had a role in the hotel business. However, it was his friendship with Vijay Mallya that brought him back to international motorsport when Mallya acquired the Spyker team in 2007. Fernley was entrusted with overseeing the team’s operations both on and off the track, including their interactions with the FIA, Formula 1 organization, and the media.
Force India’s Rise and Challenges
Force India’s journey under Fernley’s leadership had its fair share of challenges and triumphs. In their debut season with Ferrari power in 2008, the team finished in a disappointing 10th place in the World Championship. However, they bounced back the following year after entering into a partnership with Mercedes. Giancarlo Fisichella’s pole position at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix was a notable highlight, with him ultimately finishing the race in second place.
Over the course of a decade, several drivers represented the team, including Tonio Liuzzi, Adrian Sutil, Paul di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez, and Esteban Ocon. The team also provided George Russell with his initial testing and FP1 opportunities. Under the leadership of Fernley and Chief Operating Officer Otmar Szafnauer, Force India steadily progressed, outperforming teams with larger budgets. They achieved fifth place in 2015 and secured fourth place in both 2016 and 2017.
However, financial constraints and Vijay Mallya’s legal troubles in India posed significant challenges for the team. These difficulties reached a breaking point in the summer of 2018, leading to the team entering administration. During the subsequent summer break, Lawrence Stroll acquired the team’s assets and relaunched it as Racing Point, marking the end of Fernley’s involvement.
Fernley’s contributions to motorsport extended beyond his time with Force India. In 2019, he was enlisted by McLaren to oversee their entry in the Indianapolis 500 with Fernando Alonso. Unfortunately, their endeavor was unsuccessful, and Alonso failed to qualify for the race. Fernley also served as the head of the FIA’s single-seater commission, succeeding Stefano Domenicali in the role. He was later succeeded by former F1 team boss Giancarlo Minardi in 2022.
Moreover, Fernley played a significant role in promoting young engineering talent through his association with the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering at the University of Bolton. In recognition of his contributions, the establishment awarded him an honorary doctorate for his services to engineering. Together with students, Fernley organized historic events, running a 1981 Ensign N180B car. Notably, three-time F1 race winner Johnny Herbert was among the drivers who had the opportunity to drive the Ensign.
The passing of Bob Fernley has deeply saddened the racing community. Alpine F1 Team Principal, Otmar Szafnauer, expressed his condolences and paid tribute to Fernley’s contributions. He highlighted Fernley’s role as Mallya’s representative, handling the team’s politics, and allowing the rest of the organization to focus on racing and improving the car.
Bob Fernley’s multifaceted career in motorsport left an indelible mark on the industry. From his early involvement with Ensign to his instrumental role in Force India’s success, Fernley’s passion and dedication to the sport were evident throughout his career. His contributions as a team principal, overseer of McLaren’s Indy 500 entry, and head of the FIA’s single-seater commission showcased his versatility and deep understanding of the sport. Fernley’s legacy as a promoter of young talent and his commitment to engineering excellence will continue to inspire future generations of motorsport enthusiasts.
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