Formula 1 and British Council Expand Global STEM Education Initiative

Following a pilot year that reached over 150,000 young people, Formula 1 has announced a two-year extension of its “Learning Sectors” programme in collaboration with the British Council.

The expanded initiative will now include host nations China, Spain, and Mexico, with a strategic goal to engage nearly 250,000 students across more than 1,000 schools.

Designed to spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), the curriculum will also introduce new modules focused on F1’s world-class broadcast and production capabilities to bolster communication skills.

Emphasising the sport’s responsibility to cultivate future industry leaders, president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, said: “Young people are the future innovators, engineers, mechanics, and storytellers, and championing their growth is one of our most important responsibilities.”

“Expanding the activities to include experiences inspired by our world-class broadcast operation opens even more opportunities for young people to explore their skills and realise their potential,” Domenicali said. 

British Council CEO, Scott McDonald, added that the extension will support thousands more students in developing the knowledge, skills and passion necessary for careers in science, technology, and engineering.

The programme’s first year saw successful cross-border collaborations between schools in India, South Africa, and the UK, while students in Brazil participated in specialised coding challenges.

Highlights from 2025 included behind-the-scenes access at the British Grand Prix and tours of the Audi Revolut F1 team garage in São Paulo, where students met local driver Gabriel Bortoleto. These hands-on experiences are designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the practical demands of the multi-billion dollar global racing industry.

Learning Sectors sits alongside a broader suite of F1 educational investments, including the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship, which has supported 50 students from underrepresented groups since 2021.

Other key initiatives include “STEM Racing,” which reached nearly 120,000 students in 2025, and a continued partnership with Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Mission 44 charity. By targeting diverse demographics, particularly girls and those from underrepresented backgrounds, Formula 1 aims to diversify its talent pipeline across both technical and media-related roles.

As the programme enters its next phase, the focus will remain on leaving a lasting positive legacy in host communities through integrated, commercially driven education.

Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Minister, Chris Elmore MP, praised the initiative as a premier example of UK expertise fostering international connections.

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