SA-born engineer Shau Mafuna joins Mercedes AMG F1 team

Well, dreams certainly do come true. That’s the case for the South African-born mechanical engineer Shau Mafuna. He joined the Mercedes AMG F1 team and he gets to work closely with the likes of British race driver Lewis Hamilton.

Quitting has never been an option for South African mechanical engineers based in the UK. He’s currently working in the F1 sector as a mechanical engineer for Mercedes AMG high-performance powertrains and some of his colleagues include the likes of Lewis Hamilton.

“Look, it goes back where the dream started, to be an F1 driver, everyone wants to be an F1 driver for the best team in the world, Mercedes is one. Now as an engineer, you will also be part of the best in the world.”

Mafuna says he had to overcome a number of obstacles to achieve his dream.

“One thing for me is South Africans are much better than they think. They are at the level we are taught is much higher – don’t doubt your skills. Trust your skills.”

He’s looking forward to his dream and hopes to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

“I’m wishing all the best for those engineers, aspiring to be like me and hopefully get more South Africans on this platform and I really believe we can do it.”

Catch the full interview on Monday on the Full View at 7:30 here on SABC 404. 

Good story to tell Shau Mafuna in conversation with @KhayaJames. For more watch #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/yLWqQ1HJpH

— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) January 15, 2022

Shau Mafuna a mechanical engineer for Mercedes-Benz AMG High Performance spoke to @KhayaJames. For more #sabcnews channel 404. pic.twitter.com/jhboa1y8Vi

— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) January 15, 2022