Formula 1 Expands Educational Initiative to Inspire Young Minds Globally
Continuing the Journey of Learning Sectors
After a successful inaugural year that engaged over 150,000 youth across the UK, India, Brazil, and South Africa, Formula 1 is set to extend its partnership with the British Council for an additional two years. This collaboration will enhance the F1-inspired educational program, Learning Sectors.
An official announcement revealed that the initiative will now include F1 host nations such as China, Spain, and Mexico, aiming to involve nearly 250,000 students from over 1,000 schools. Scheduled to launch in January 2025, Learning Sectors seeks to integrate the excitement of Formula 1 into classrooms, fostering interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) while enhancing essential communication and presentation skills.
Enhancing the Curriculum
The expanded Learning Sectors program will introduce new modules and educational resources inspired by Formula 1's exceptional broadcasting and production expertise. These materials will be incorporated into the curriculum to bolster students' communication and presentation abilities, encouraging increased participation in media careers alongside STEM, particularly among girls and underrepresented youth.
Highlights from the Pilot Year
In 2025, schools in India, South Africa, and the UK engaged in collaborative Formula 1-themed STEM projects, while Brazilian students tackled a coding challenge to enhance their science and technology skills. Throughout the year, students delved into the diverse career opportunities within Formula 1.
The Learning Sectors Live online event connected students with Formula 1 professionals, and competition winners enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2025. Other notable experiences included a tour of the Paddock and team garage at the Formula 1 MSC Cruises Grande Premio De São Paulo Grand Prix 2025, where students met local hero and Audi Revolut F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto, a meeting with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in India, and a celebratory event in South Africa.
Formula 1's Broader Educational Commitment
Learning Sectors is part of Formula 1's broader mission to inspire future generations through global educational initiatives that offer both classroom learning and practical experiences in the sport and its related fields. Other notable programs include:
Key Initiatives
The Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship
This scholarship fully funds tuition and living expenses for students from underrepresented backgrounds during their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Since its inception in 2021, it has supported 50 students.
STEM Racing
A global competition backed by Formula 1 that challenges students aged 9 to 19 to design and race miniature F1 cars using professional 3D design technology. In 2025, it reached 119,125 students across 8,569 schools, with over 600 participating in the Championship Final in Singapore.
STEM Challenge Days
Formula 1 promotes STEM engagement in UK schools through STEM Challenge Days organized by The Smallpeice Trust, providing students with hands-on engineering experiences through enjoyable technical and team-building activities. Since 2023, over 1,500 students have participated.
Mission 44
In partnership with Sir Lewis Hamilton's charity, F1 has engaged over 350 young individuals through activities at Grand Prix events since 2023.
Investing in Youth and Early Careers
Utilizing the Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, this initiative offers real-world learning experiences that equip local students from underrepresented backgrounds with practical skills in the media industry.
The Next Grand Prix
A workshop in collaboration with the Social Mobility Business Partnership, where students collaborate in teams across various business roles to develop and pitch a fictional bid for a new Formula One World Championship location.
Leadership Perspectives
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, emphasized, "Inspiring the next generation is central to our sport. Young individuals are the future innovators, engineers, mechanics, and storytellers, and nurturing their development is one of our key responsibilities. We are excited to continue supporting Learning Sectors, a program that is already making a significant impact in classrooms worldwide and is poised to reach nearly 250,000 students in the next two years. Expanding activities to include experiences inspired by our world-class broadcast operation opens even more avenues for young people to explore their skills and realize their potential. This program reinforces our commitment to creating a positive legacy, empowering talent, and supporting communities through Formula 1 to drive meaningful change."
Chris Elmore MP, Minister at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office responsible for Soft Power, stated, "I am thrilled that the joint initiative, Learning Sectors, from Formula 1 and the British Council will continue its fantastic work in bringing STEM subjects to life and expanding the program's reach to three additional countries. This initiative exemplifies the UK's ability to foster strong international connections, empowering students with essential skills for careers in science, technology, and engineering."
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, remarked, "Learning Sectors has made a significant impact in its first year, reaching 150,000 young people in 700 schools across four countries. We are delighted that it has been extended for another two years, providing opportunities for thousands more young individuals. Collaborating with Formula 1, we aim to support more youth in developing the knowledge, skills, and passion necessary for careers in science, technology, and engineering."