Formula 1 Expands Educational Initiative to Inspire Future Innovators
Formula 1's Learning Sectors Program Grows
New Delhi, March 25: After a successful inaugural year that engaged over 150,000 youth across the UK, India, Brazil, and South Africa, Formula 1 is extending its partnership with the British Council for an additional two years to enhance the Learning Sectors educational program.
The initiative will now include F1 host countries such as China, Spain, and Mexico, aiming to involve nearly 250,000 students in over 1,000 schools globally.
Set to launch in January 2025, Learning Sectors seeks to integrate the excitement of Formula 1 into classrooms, igniting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while fostering essential communication and presentation skills among students.
As part of the program's expansion, new modules and educational materials inspired by Formula 1's top-tier broadcasting and production will be incorporated into the curriculum, enhancing students' communication abilities and encouraging participation in media careers, especially among girls and underrepresented groups.
In 2025, schools in India, South Africa, and the UK will collaborate on cross-border STEM projects inspired by Formula 1, while Brazilian students will tackle a coding challenge to enhance their tech skills. Throughout the year, students will delve into various career paths within the sport. The Learning Sectors Live online event will connect students with Formula 1 professionals, with competition winners receiving exclusive access to the Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2025.
Other highlights include a tour of the Paddock and team garage at the Formula 1 MSC Cruises Grande Premio De São Paulo Grand Prix 2025, where students will meet local hero and Audi Revolut F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto, as well as a meeting with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in India, and a celebration event in South Africa.
Learning Sectors is part of Formula 1's broader commitment to inspire future generations through educational initiatives that blend classroom learning with practical experiences in the sport and its related fields. Additional programs include:
The Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship, which 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 that challenges students aged nine to nineteen 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 attending the Championship Final in Singapore.
STEM Challenge Days, which engage students in UK schools through hands-on engineering experiences facilitated by The Smallpeice Trust, have reached over 1,500 students since 2023.
Mission 44, in partnership with Sir Lewis Hamilton's charity, has engaged over 350 young people through Grand Prix activities since 2023.
Investing in Youth and Early Careers utilizes the Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill to provide real-world learning experiences for local students from underrepresented backgrounds, equipping them with practical skills for the media industry.
The Next Grand Prix workshop, in collaboration with the Social Mobility Business Partnership, allows students to work in teams across various business roles to develop and pitch a fictional bid for a new Formula One World Championship location.
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, stated, “Inspiring the next generation is central to our sport. Young people are the future innovators, engineers, mechanics, and storytellers, and nurturing their development is a key responsibility. We are excited to continue supporting Learning Sectors, which is already making a significant impact in classrooms worldwide and is set to reach nearly 250,000 students in the next two years. Expanding activities to include experiences inspired by our world-class broadcast operations opens even more avenues for young people to explore their talents and realize their potential. This program reinforces our commitment to creating a positive legacy, empowering talent, and supporting communities through Formula 1.”
Chris Elmore MP, Minister at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, expressed his delight at the continuation of the Learning Sectors initiative, emphasizing its role in bringing STEM subjects to life and expanding its reach to three additional countries. He noted this as a prime example of the UK leveraging its expertise to foster strong international connections and empower students with essential skills for careers in science, technology, and engineering.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, remarked, “Learning Sectors has significantly impacted its first year, reaching 150,000 young people in 700 schools across four countries. We are thrilled that it has been extended for another two years, providing opportunities for thousands more young individuals. Collaborating with Formula 1, we aim to help more young people develop the knowledge, skills, and passion necessary for careers in STEM fields.”
