Read the book The Pits: The Real World of Formula 1 before wanting to work in F1 circus, it opens an insight into the goings on behind the glitz and the glamour.
I know a few folk who have done it, a couple of mechanics loved it, but you need to have nothing in your life as you spend 90% of the year away working 18hour days with poor pay in comparrison and poor respect. However once you come out the circus you have lots of job prospects everyone wants an ex f1 mechanic. I also know a woman who used to be a engine component designer for mclaren, she said it was the hardest job of her life just constant preasure constant stress etc. she now works in public sector housing.
My brother started doing an aerodynamics course at farnborough, he couldnt hack it but it does sound an awesome course, not sure if they still do but they used to do work on the beneton f1 cars in their wind tunnel, could be a very good foot in.