The end of the 2022 season had us saying farewell to many household names in F1, including 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. However, Vettel’s departure from F1 comes with the departure of his long-term PR manager Britta Roeske. Roeske is often referred to as the “woman behind Sebastian Vettel,” having worked alongside him for over a decade. Yet she is so much more than that. Britta Roeske’s inspirational career and success have made her an important figure in the world of Motorsport, especially for women and young girls. It wouldn’t feel right to end the year (and season) without acknowledging all of Roeske’s accomplishments. She has, even perhaps unknowingly, helped change the future of F1 for women and young girls everywhere.
Roeske’s Beginning in F1
Roeske, originally from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, began her career in F1 at the 2004 Nurburgring GP after being introduced to Renault team principal at the time, Flavio Briatore. With a background in economics, modern languages, and journalism, Roeske was offered a position with the Renault team as a trainee in the communications department.
The Move to Red Bull Racing
In 2005, Roeske made the move from Renault to Red Bull Racing. But it wasn’t until 2010 that Roeske began working closely with a young Sebastian Vettel. Roeske began managing Vettel’s appearances throughout race weekends, including going through any questions the journalists intended to ask the young driver. Commentators and sponsors would go directly to Roeske to ask about Vettel’s availability for interviews and special appearances.
Vettel’s time at Red Bull Racing came with its fair share of controversies, such as his infamous crash with his teammate Mark Webber in 2010 and his failure to obey team orders in 2013, which led him to overtake Webber and win the Malaysian GP. Roeske was there for Vettel through it all, expertly navigating and managing the media throughout one of the most challenging times of the driver’s career.
A New Chapter at Ferrari and Aston Martin
In 2015, Vettel announced his move to Ferrari. This left fans wondering what would happen to the dynamic duo and if Roeske would make the move to Ferrari. It’s safe to say everyone was pleased when Roeske showed up to the Australian GP rocking red gear. As a result, Roeske officially became the only PR manager at the track to be employed by a driver rather than a team. At Ferrari, Roeske took on the extra role of managing Vettel’s entire brand image. And even through one of the darkest moments of Vettel’s career, she never left his side.
In 2020, Vettel joined the Aston Martin F1 team, and it was no surprise that he was bringing Roeske along with him. “If I continue, she continues,” the four-time world champion stated. This was a true testament to how essential Roeske was to Vettel’s success.
Throughout her time in F1, Roeske has helped Vettel navigate the highs and lows of his career, all while managing his brand identity away from social media (which is as difficult as it is impressive). But she has also done so much more than that. She has inspired women and girls everywhere, setting an extraordinary example and proving that anything is possible. She has helped show that women deserve a spot on the grid, not to reach any quota, but rather because women have the skills and talent to be there. Watching her incredibly successful career over the past several years has been an honour, and while her exit from F1 saddens me and many others, I applaud everything she has accomplished. I am confident her work will continue to inspire young women everywhere for generations to come.