From a Silverstone shed to the neon lights of Las Vegas, Andy Stevenson’s remarkable journey through Formula 1 is a testament to grit, growth, and an unwavering passion for racing.

This weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be a glittering spectacle of speed and skill. Amidst the roar of engines and dazzling lights, Aston Martin’s sporting director Andy Stevenson will celebrate a milestone few in Formula 1 can claim: his 600th race.

Stevenson’s story is one of unrelenting commitment, spanning nearly four decades with a single team, through its many evolutions from Eddie Jordan Racing to Aston Martin. The journey began in 1987 when Stevenson, fresh out of school at 17, was determined to turn his passion for fast cars and travel into a career.

“My mother recently found paperwork from my first careers office visit where I’d written that I wanted to work with fast cars and travel the world,” Stevenson recalls with a smile.

Starting as a mechanic, his introduction to Eddie Jordan’s F3 outfit was anything but smooth. During his interview, the fiery team boss dismissed him with a memorable quip: “Don’t hire this guy, he looks like a wanker.” Despite Jordan’s initial hostility—and frequent threats of dismissal—Stevenson persevered, driven to prove his worth.

By 1991, when Jordan made the leap to F1, Stevenson was firmly entrenched in the team’s core. Their debut season was a baptism by fire: operating with just 50 staff, the scrappy privateers faced the sport’s giants with little more than grit and ambition. At their first race in Phoenix, they executed their maiden live pit stop during the race itself. “It wasn’t particularly quick,” Stevenson admits with a laugh, “but we learned fast.”

Jordan’s team grew in capability and reputation, claiming their first victory in 1998 with Damon Hill at Spa. Stevenson credits the team’s ethos for their enduring success. “Everyone there were pure racers,” he says. “We wanted to be in F1 and be competitive. It’s an attitude we’ve carried forward to this day.”

Through the years, Stevenson has seen the team evolve under multiple guises—Midland, Spyker, Force India, Racing Point, and now Aston Martin—while retaining its underdog spirit. Today, Aston Martin boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a renewed ambition to challenge the front runners, exemplified by signing industry titans like Adrian Newey.

Stevenson’s career reflects the seismic changes in Formula 1 over the decades, from its scrappy early days to the technological marvel it is now. Yet, his fundamental love for the sport remains unchanged.

“F1 cars are the best machines on the planet. I love competition and I love travel, so it’s the perfect job for me,” he says.

At 600 races and counting, Stevenson shows no signs of slowing down. For the Aston Martin stalwart, the thrill of racing and the camaraderie of the paddock continue to fuel his passion. “No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we just keep pushing.”

As the Las Vegas GP kicks off, Andy Stevenson’s remarkable legacy will serve as a reminder of Formula 1’s enduring appeal—built on the determination and dreams of individuals like him who dared to chase their ambitions.