Career
The impact of STEM Racing and the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals
by Samarth Kanal
5min read
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STEM Racing is the new-look F1 in Schools programme that continues to harness the support of Formula 1 and the motorsport community to bring F1 into schools across the world. Here’s how students around the world can take part and aim to compete in the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals.
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More than 1.8 Million students from 28,000 schools across 64 countries were impacted by this independent non-profit organisation in 2024 alone. Formerly known as F1 in Schools, STEM Racing, supported by Formula 1, is the next step of the global programme that sets students on a path to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects through the world of F1.
"STEM Racing – Supported by Formula 1 really allows us to stand out as an independent non-profit organisation. While we’re still harnessing the incredible support of F1, F1 teams, and the motorsport community, this gives us the opportunity to grow and make an even bigger impact,” said Andrew Denford, founder and chairman of STEM Racing, of the rebrand.
“The impact is huge, and we’re only just getting started. This is about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and shaping futures, all while sharing the passion and innovation that motorsport brings to the table."
These students aren’t just building miniature F1 cars - they’re forming their own teams and managing every detail, from engineering to sponsorship
Andrew Denford
, STEM Racing founder and chairman
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Team Agilas won the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals Best Newcomer Award in 2024
How does STEM Racing work?
Students aged nine to 19 create teams of six to eight people to design, manufacture and race a miniature F1 racing car against other teams in their region. Free CAD (computer-aided design) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) software is provided courtesy of Ansys and Autodesk in the STEM Racing Hubs.
The fastest teams will eventually make it to the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals, but prizes are handed out for various achievements including the most impressive research and development efforts, branding and many more.
Denford says that STEM Racing takes a holistic approach to bringing the world of F1 to schools.
“These students aren’t just building miniature F1 cars - they’re forming their own teams and managing every detail, from engineering to sponsorship," Denford explained.
Students watch their cars race down the miniature track in the 2024 Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals
"What they achieve is remarkable and a testament to the power of action-based learning. It’s about showing them not just what’s possible, but what they can achieve with the right tools and support.
"Our mission hasn’t changed – it’s still about breaking down barriers, nurturing talent, and accelerating futures. What’s incredible is how the programme empowers students to take real action and learn through doing. By embedding the challenge into the curriculum, we’re teaching real-world skills like project management, marketing, and business, alongside STEM.”
In 2025, STEM Racing will also launch a new resource portal called the ‘Learning Channel’, which will be live here.
Registration for STEM Racing opens in March 2025 via this link.
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1.8 Million students from 28,000 schools across 64 countries were impacted by this independent non-profit organisation in 2024 alone
Removing barriers
The impact of STEM Racing is clear: it removes barriers that once prevented talented young students from getting involved in STEM subjects by embracing the world of F1. “The next generation of engineers and innovators will shape the future and it’s our job to give them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. That’s why all our resources and learning materials are available for free, and we partner with organisations that are genuinely invested in student learning. Through these partnerships, every student gains access to professional-grade software, completely free, thanks to Ansys and Autodesk,” says Denford.
He adds that STEM Racing fits “seamlessly” into classrooms in an exciting way.
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STEM Racing empowers students across the world by enabling them to pursue STEM subjects
The gender split highlights the power of this programme. For example, in the 2024 Saudi National Finals, 68% of participants were female.
“Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen just how powerful this programme is. It’s not just about teaching STEM – it’s about inspiring ambition, creating pathways, and propelling students into careers in motorsport and beyond. I’ll often walk through the paddock and get a tap on the shoulder from an alumnus with a word of thanks.
“It’s incredible to see. Not only are we developing the future of Formula 1, but we’re in the paddock with proof of concept that what we do works. These students go on to achieve amazing things, and it’s a privilege to be part of their journey,” concludes Denford.
More information on the 2025 Aramco STEM Racing World Finals will be announced in due course with resources, registration information and more available on www.stemracing.com.
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