In July 2018, PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) announced a global talent search for a new trackside fluid engineer, providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for a qualified and passionate individual to join the team of technical specialists that make up their Formula One team. Applications for the position closed on 7 October 2018 with an eye-watering 7,000 candidates.

On February 28, 2019, PLI announced it had completed a rigorous five-stage recruitment process that culminated in an interview with PLI Group Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe D’Arrigo in Kuala Lumpur. 24-year-old engineer Stephanie Travers was introduced to media as the successful candidate by PLI Group Technology Officer, Eric Holthusen at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

“We are delighted to welcome Stephanie on-board as a new PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineer (PTFE) today,” said D’Arrigo. “Stephanie’s skillset, passion, determination and positive attitude will make her an incredible addition to our team.”

Travers will provide FIA World Constructors Champions, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport with a comprehensive suite of fluid support services and will travel to all 21 Formula One events throughout the 2019 season.

PLI is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, the national oil corporation of Malaysia, and has been a technical partner to Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport since 2010. The company has co-engineered PETRONAS Primax fuel, PETRONAS Syntium engine oil and PETRONAS Tutela gearbox fluid in close partnership with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport, Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains (HPP) and PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™.

PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineers conduct on-site performance analysis of engine oils and provide vital real-time insights into the engine’s health and performance. In this capacity, Travers will work alongside some of the best engineers and scientists in the industry. Ahmad Nasri Mohd Shafie, incumbent PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineer, will perform a mentoring role for Travers as she commences her new role at the organisation.