Formula 1 and The Smallpeice Trust drive STEM Challenge Days forward with more schools and students in 2025/26
Photo credit: Formula 1
Formula 1 has confirmed on LinkedIn that its STEM Challenge Days will continue into the 2025/26 academic year in the UK. The program, launched in 2023, brings together Formula 1, F1 teams, and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in partnership with The Smallpeice Trust.
The Smallpeice Trust is a UK charity that works with schools, universities, charities, and corporate partners to inspire young people to consider careers in engineering. Its programs provide students with technical skills, confidence, and practical experience designed to help address the engineering skills gap.
During the 2024/25 academic year, 573 students took part in the STEM Challenge Days. The events were held across 10 secondary schools near Formula 1’s Biggin Hill campus and F1 team hubs. Attendance included a 56 percent female and 44 percent male split.
Survey results show engineering awareness among participating students increased from 66 percent to 92 percent. Formula 1 has stated that more events are scheduled to run from September 2025.
Each event introduces students to motorsport through educational activities supported by F1 engineers. Students solve engineering challenges, explore career pathways in engineering, and build rubber band-powered race cars to compete on a track. Sessions also include learning about safety and key technical skills.
Adrienne Heeley, Chief People and Organisation Officer at Formula 1, says: “The STEM Challenge Days continue to go from strength to strength and we’re excited to inspire even more students in the 2025/26 academic year, as we team up with more schools and F1 teams to bring STEM to life in thrilling new ways.”
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