What is F1 in Schools?

F1 in Schools is the world’s largest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) competition for students. It challenges young people to design, manufacture, test, and race a miniature Formula 1–style car, powered by compressed CO₂, while managing a professional motorsport team.

The competition is not just about building a fast car. Teams must operate like a real Formula 1 team, combining engineering, aerodynamics, business, marketing, branding, project management, and communication skills. It is an international programme supported by Formula 1 and leading engineering organisations.

The Aim of the Competition

The main aim of F1 in Schools is to prepare students for real-world engineering and business environments.

Participants are challenged to:

• Work effectively as a high-performance team

• Manage time, budgets, and resources under pressure

• Develop innovation, creativity, and critical thinking

• Communicate ideas professionally to judges, sponsors, and the public

Ultimately, the competition bridges the gap between education and industry, giving students experience similar to what engineers, designers, and managers face in professional motorsport and engineering careers.

Materials and Manufacturing

Cars are usually manufactured from high-density foam blocks supplied by the competition. Precision is essential:

• Weight reduction without compromising strength

• Accurate axle alignment to reduce friction

• Smooth surface finishes to improve airflow

The process proves that engineering is about precision, testing, and iteration, not just ideas.

Testing and Performance Analysis

Before racing, teams must rigorously test and refine their cars.

This includes:

• Measuring mass and centre of gravity

• Analysing wheel friction and straight-line stability

• Improving alignment and surface quality

Data collected during testing is used to justify design decisions to judges. This demonstrates engineering reasoning, not guesswork.

Racing and Competition

On the race, cars are launched along a 20-metre track using a CO₂ cartridge. Two cars race side-by-side, reaching high speeds in under one second.

However, winning races alone is not enough to win the competition.

Final results are based on:

• Car speed

• Engineering portfolio

• Enterprise and business planning

• Verbal presentation to judges

• Team professionalism and branding

• Pit display quality

This ensures the competition rewards balanced teams, not just fast cars.

Marketing

F1 in Schools supports the business side of motorsport.

Teams must:

• Develop a professional brand identity

• Create sponsor proposals and marketing strategies

• Demonstrate how the team would be commercially viable

• Communicate clearly with judges and external partners

Communication and Presentations

Teams must deliver formal presentations to a panel of judges, explaining:

• Design and engineering decisions

• Testing and development processes

• Budget management and enterprise strategy

• Team structure and collaboration

Strong communication is essential. Judges assess:

• Confidence and clarity

• Technical understanding

• Ability to answer challenging questions

This prepares students for professional interviews, pitches, and engineering presentations.