In the high-precision world of Formula One, detailed craftsmanship plays a vital role in bringing performance to life.

At BWT Alpine Formula One Team’s Enstone facility, the Fabrication Shop is where traditional trades meet up-to-date manufacturing processes. This is where critical parts for the full-size F1 car are made and with tight deadlines and detailed operations, you need precision and experience - and few embody that better than Fabricator Robbie Howkins.

Robbie joined the team at the beginning of 2019, during the Renault era, following a 13-year spell at Pankl Racing Systems where he began his career as an apprentice. Over the past six years, he’s become a key member of the Fabrication team, contributing to the production and maintenance of complex systems such as exhausts and radiators - components critical to car performance and reliability.

Expertise built over time

Robbie’s core responsibilities are centred around the car build phase. His day-to-day work includes fabricating and welding coolers and radiators, then servicing those units when they return from trackside. He also supports the fabrication of tailpipes, specialising in aluminium welding - a particularly skilled and delicate process.

“Every year is different; there’s always a new challenge,” he explains. “Every year brings changes to the design of the coolers, so we’re constantly adapting our processes. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job - tackling new challenges head-on.”

One of the more demanding aspects of the role, he says, is reacting to late design changes. “A lot of our cores are sourced from Australia, so when specifications shift at the last minute, the timeframe tightens significantly. It’s all about working efficiently and making sure everything is delivered on time to the highest standard.”

Embodying the team spirit

Working in the Fabrication Shop at Enstone, Robbie acknowledges the hard work and commitment of every member of the team and that shared sense of responsibility is something he hadn’t experienced in his previous line of work. It also means, on a rare occasion, he can play a part in the wider Alpine journey.

At the beginning of the 2023 season, Alpine unveiled their new F1 car to the world at the famous Printworks venue in south east London. As part of the live production, he stepped into the spotlight on stage - a rare departure from his usual environment.

“I was pretending to fabricate - just producing a few sparks for the cameras,” he laughs. “It was completely out of my comfort zone, but it was a great experience to be part of something so different. I’m glad I said yes.”