Rob White is a British Formula 1 engineer who serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which he joined in late 2024. Born 15 July 1965 in Camblesforth, Yorkshire, England, he is best known for leading Renault's engine operations through one of the most successful periods in the marque's F1 history. ¹

Education and Cosworth years

White graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Southampton University in 1987 and was hired by Cosworth Racing as a development engineer on its IndyCar project. He was promoted to senior development engineer in 1990, moved to California in 1993 as track support manager for Cosworth USA, and returned to England in 1997 as chief engineer of Cosworth's Formula 1 operations. ¹

“In 2004 White joined the Renault F1 team as engine technical director, working alongside chassis technical director Bob Bell.”

Renault engine leadership

In 2004 White joined the Renault F1 team as engine technical director, working alongside chassis technical director Bob Bell. In April 2005 he was promoted to deputy managing director of engine operations at Viry-Châtillon, France, following the departure of Bernard Dudot — leading a predominantly French workforce. He oversaw Renault power units through the team's factory constructors' titles in 2005 and 2006 and the Red Bull-Renault championship doubles from 2010 to 2013. ¹²

Team Enstone and Cadillac

In 2016 White became director of operations for Team Enstone — the Renault, later Alpine, operation — a role he held until departing in 2024. He then joined the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as Chief Operating Officer, announcing on his own account that he had "just started as Chief Operating Officer" with the new project. There he is responsible for the operational build-out of the team, including its growing Silverstone facility. ²³

Bottom line

White brings deep powertrain and operational experience to a team that, while running Ferrari customer engines for 2026, must build the systems, facilities and processes of a full Formula 1 constructor. His Cosworth-and-Renault background and his Enstone operations leadership make him a natural fit to run Cadillac's day-to-day operations. ²³