McLaren Racing reopens NEXT program for young women in STEM
The NEXT 2026 program will run in September, with selected students taking part in mentoring, workshops, and industry sessions at McLaren, Allwyn, Cisco, and Schneider Electric.
McLaren Racing has opened applications for NEXT 2026, a 25-place STEM program for young women from the UK, U.S., and EU. Photo credit: McLaren Racing.
McLaren Racing has opened applications for a 25-place STEM program for young women from the UK, U.S., and EU, offering access to the McLaren Technology Centre and partner offices in September 2026.
NEXT 2026 will run from 7 to 11 September, with three days at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England, and two days across the London offices of program partners Allwyn, Cisco, and Schneider Electric. Applications close on Friday, 12 June 2026.
The program is open to applicants who are women, are in their final year of study toward a degree or equivalent in STEM, and are currently based in the UK, EU, or U.S. Eligible subject areas include physics, chemistry, technology, computer science, data analytics, engineering, and mathematics.
McLaren covers travel and accommodation
McLaren Racing said it will cover travel and accommodation costs for successful applicants, removing one of the most obvious barriers to taking part in an in-person program based in Woking and London.
The five-day schedule will include hands-on learning, mentoring, panel discussions, and behind-the-scenes industry immersion. Participants will also have access to industry leaders, recruiters, and peers across motorsport, engineering, technology, energy, data, and commercial roles.
NEXT was launched last year after McLaren’s 60 Scholars initiative. The program is designed to give participants a clearer view of STEM career routes inside motorsport and adjacent industries, rather than positioning Formula 1 as the only destination.
Holly Clement, who graduated from the 60 Scholars initiative in 2023 and is now a Machine Learning Solutions Engineer at McLaren Racing, says: "The NEXT programme gave me real insight into what a career at McLaren Racing looks like. Through mentoring, hands-on sessions and meeting inspiring leaders, I gained confidence in my skills and a clear path forward, which ultimately helped me secure my role at McLaren. NEXT gave me a realistic view and the tools to act on it, not just the motivation!"
Partner sessions move beyond racing
The 2026 program brings McLaren’s commercial and technology partners into the learning experience.
Allwyn’s session will take place at the McLaren Technology Centre and will focus on commercial thinking, entrepreneurship, networks, and digital transformation. Allwyn is an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, Arrow McLaren IndyCar, and McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team.
Schneider Electric, McLaren Racing’s Official Energy Technology Partner, will host participants at its London office. Its session will focus on how STEM skills are used in energy technology, electrification, automation, and digital intelligence.
Cisco will also host participants at its London office. The company is a Principal Partner of the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team and provides technology used across McLaren’s operations, including race-day data, operational systems, and fan engagement.
The partner schedule gives the program a wider STEM careers focus, covering motorsport, energy, connectivity, automation, AI-era infrastructure, and commercial technology.
September cohort will join alumni network
McLaren Racing has set a target for 40 percent of its workforce to come from underrepresented backgrounds by 2030, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In its latest Sustainability Report, McLaren Racing said 43 percent of new starters were from underrepresented backgrounds, while women made up 30 percent of its early-career population.
Selected participants will join an alumni group for 12 months after the program, with early-careers opportunities shared by McLaren Racing, Allwyn, Cisco, and Schneider Electric. Applicants are also asked to consent to image usage in content created during the program and to being added to mailing lists for McLaren Racing and NEXT partners.
Applications opened on Monday, 18 May 2026 and close on Friday, 12 June. The selected cohort will attend the in-person experience from 7 to 11 September in Woking and London.
