Team start their engines for mini-Formula 1 competition

Students aim to improve STEM, leadership and teamwork skills through participation in the racing event

SKILLED motorsports engineers are applying their academic learning to a challenging practical project.

F1 in Schools is a prestigious STEM competition that continues to inspire students to design, build, and race miniature Formula 1 cars.

The Sixth Form team have worked hard using CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and race miniature compressed air-powered F1 cars.

This competition combines the excitement of Formula 1 racing with practical application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills.

The team of six (Sophie, Monty, Henry, Isaak and Katelin) have enjoyed the process.

They said: “It’s been really fun. We have overcome challenges with different team members leaving and others joining but we have worked really hard together and learned new skills.”

The school’s participation in this competition represents an important opportunity for students to develop not only technical skills but also teamwork, leadership, and project management abilities that will serve them well in future careers.

Teams typically consist of students with various roles including team manager, design engineer, manufacturing engineer, and marketing manager. This structure mirrors real-world F1 teams and provides students with authentic experience in specialised roles within a collaborative project.

The competition involves multiple stages, from regional qualifiers to national finals and ultimately the world finals, where the best teams from around the globe compete for scholarships and the prestigious F1 in Schools World Championship trophy.

Beyond the technical aspects, students also develop presentation skills, marketing strategies, and business plans as part of their team’s overall package.