Getting to the podium in Formula 1 demands specific personality traits. It's a risky and highly tactical sport where being a fast driver is only the start. Australian F1 legend Mark Webber took the Red Bull Wingfinder personality test to see which character traits helped him during his career, with some fascinating results.
The test showed he inclines to modesty, a trait that makes him a good judge of risk – an essential skill for a racing driver. Webber is just one elite athlete to have benefitted from the test’s insights, which are available to all here.
"It's been fun to do it," Webber said.
Developed by Red Bull and an expert team of psychology professors from University College London and Columbia University, New York, Wingfinder reveals the things that you're naturally inclined to be good at and gives you the tools and coaching to be even better.
As world champion windsurfer Robby Naish explains: "The test is a really good starting point to getting in and figuring out who you are and the kind of personality you've got – and where you should head career-wise."
It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
"Red Bull Wingfinder is interesting, as it's not superficial," adds Naish. Skills like confidence and discipline have helped him to win 24 windsurfing world titles and led him to master kitesurfing. The test also revealed that his analytical approach to thinking allows him to view his sport methodically, a very useful stance in any walk of life.
Red Bull Wingfinder has also helped freestyle skier Bobby Brown and pro surfer Carissa Moore pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses
"I didn't really know what I was getting myself into, but once I saw the first question I thought, 'OK, I’m into this'," says Brown, who specialises in Big Air contests and has pioneered numerous variations of the Triple Flip and Triple Cork.
After throwing himself at the test, it turns out that the American is 'Balanced', 'Diplomatic', 'Innovative' and 'Open to Experience' – traits that can lead to success in any industry.
Being 'Diplomatic' makes Brown cooperative and good at relating to people, while his 'Innovative' approach defines him as an original thinker who can apply ideas in useful ways. It also allows him to think outside the box, showing how things can be done.
The Wingfinder model comprises 25 individual strengths organised into four key areas: creativity, thinking, drive and connections.
American surfer Carissa Moore advises: "Answer the questions, put aside some quiet time and just invest 100 per cent of you into it." The Red Bull Wingfinder test helped the multi-time Women's World Tour champion identify that she has key skills like 'Adaptability' and 'Diplomacy'. "Knowing there are underlying reasons why you're good or bad at something can make life so much easier," she says.
Moore spends six months of the year travelling the world for competitions and the other six at home in Hawaii, where she loves breath-taking sunsets, meals with friends and simple joys. The test recognised her sociable personality and concern for other people's welfare, which will have helped her make and maintain good connections with people on the surfing circuit.
Skier and YouTube sensation Jon Olsson has made a name for himself with his talent on the slopes and a love of fast cars and vlogging. His innovative nature can be seen in the highly-specialised cars he creates, but his Red Bull Wingfinder results also showed some unexpected personality traits.
For a person who lives at such high speeds, it might be surprising to discover that patience has played a big part in Olsson's success, helping him to avoid risky and ill-judged decisions. It also turns out that the Swede has a relaxed disposition, which helps him cope with change and a classical approach to creativity gives him a clear sense of direction.
You can find out more about your own strengths and weaknesses by taking the Red Bull Wingfinder personality test at wingfinder.com.
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