When James Allison left Lotus, it was Nick Chester who got the call to replace him as Technical Director. Having worked his way up from race engineer through to the performance departments, to Engineering Director, the promotion signalled a show of loyalty and faith on the part of the team, and belief in Chester’s ability to continue Lotus’ forward progress.

Biography

Nick Chester joined Lotus at the turn of the new millennium, taking up a position as race engineer. He had previously worked in the same role for Arrows, but having found a comfortable spot at Enstone, Chester made himself at home.

He worked his way gradually up the ranks, moving to the design departments, and becoming Head of Vehicle Performance in 2005. Five years later he was promoted again to become head of Performance Systems, and then in 2012 he was given the role of Engineering Director.

Although not in the limelight of the F1 paddock, Chester soon found his name on everyone’s lips as he replaced the outgoing James Allison as Technical Director in 2013. Allison’s departure was a shock to most in the paddock, and then team boss Éric Boullier admitted that Chester would have his work cut out for him. Lotus' desire to promote from within saw them put their faith in Chester, who had spent twelve years with the team, working calmly through their many changes and brand iterations.