Ernest Knoors, born in Grevenbicht, Netherlands, in 1971, has forged a distinguished career in motorsport, transitioning from a highly respected Formula 1 engineer to a prominent media analyst. His journey encompasses significant roles within top-tier F1 teams and leadership positions in other major racing series.
Knoors is now widely recognized for his insightful technical commentary on Formula 1, particularly through his appearances on Viaplay. He also dedicates his expertise to the meticulous restoration of historic racing cars.
Early career and Formula 1 ascent
Knoors pursued mechanical engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology, specializing in motorsport technology, which laid the foundation for his entry into Formula 1. His initial F1 roles included working with Cosworth, where he contributed to engine development for various teams.
He further honed his skills at Jordan Grand Prix and later joined BMW’s F1 engine department, where he was a highly valued team member. These early experiences provided him with a comprehensive understanding of high-performance motorsport engineering.
Seven years at Ferrari
A pivotal period in Knoors’ career was his seven-year tenure at Ferrari in Maranello, where he served as an F1 engineer. During this time, he was deeply involved in motor development and performance analysis, experiencing the unique culture of the iconic Italian team firsthand.
His time at Ferrari saw him work alongside legendary figures such as Michael Schumacher and team principal Jean Todt. Knoors gained invaluable insights into the immense pressure and intricate workings of a top Formula 1 outfit.
| Year Range | Team/Company | Role | Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Cosworth | F1 Engine Development | Formula 1 |
| Jordan Grand Prix | Technical Function | Formula 1 | |
| BMW | F1 Engine Department | Formula 1 | |
| Ferrari | F1 Engineer (7 years) | Formula 1 | |
| BMW-Sauber | Technical Function | Formula 1 | |
| 2013-2019 | BMW Team MTEK | Team Principal | DTM, WEC |
| 2016-Present | Classic and Race Car Service (CRCS) / Parabolica | Founder / Co-founder, Restoration | Historic Motorsport |
| 2022-Present | Viaplay | F1 Analyst | Media |
Transition to team management and endurance racing
After his Formula 1 engineering career, Knoors transitioned into team management, notably as the team principal for BMW DTM-team MTEK, which he founded. Under his leadership, MTEK competed as a BMW factory team in the DTM Championship from 2013, achieving significant successes including a one-two victory.
His involvement in competitive motorsport extended to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he led Racing Team Nederland. This role included participation in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, further broadening his experience in high-level racing operations.
Historic motorsport and media presence
Since departing competitive motorsport in 2019, Knoors has focused on preserving racing heritage through his companies, Classic and Race Car Service (CRCS) and Parabolica. Founded in 2016, CRCS specializes in the meticulous restoration and management of iconic race cars.
A notable ongoing project is the restoration of an Arrows-BMW A8 from 1985, chassis number 6, famous for being pushed over the finish line by Thierry Boutsen at Imola. Knoors leverages his extensive network and technical knowledge to bring these historic machines back to life.
Concurrently, Knoors has become a prominent Formula 1 analyst for Viaplay since 2022, where he shares his deep technical knowledge and experience with a broad audience. He regularly provides expert commentary on current F1 events, team strategies, and technical developments.
Technical insights and the future of F1
As an analyst, Knoors offers sharp technical perspectives on the sport, including discussions on new regulations. He has expressed particular interest in the 2026 Formula 1 engine rules, noting that the internal combustion engine will increasingly function as a generator for the electric motor.
Knoors has also advocated for the return of V10 engines in motorsport, powered by E-Fuels, if he were to reshape the sport’s future. He emphasizes the unique sound and high performance of V10s, combined with the sustainability benefits of E-Fuels, as a compelling direction for racing.
