Autosport International Set to Host Thrilling UK F1 in Schools Finals
The F1 in Schools UK National Finals is gearing up to take place at January’s Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham. From January 12 to 14, 2023, students will present their own miniature F1 racing cars as part of this exciting event.
This special showcase first made its appearance at the Autosport Show in 2005 and has since become a recurring highlight for three more years. It’s a competition that gathers top teams from ten regional finals to compete for the national title. Winning this title could secure them a spot in the F1 in Schools World Finals, typically hosted alongside a Formula One Grand Prix event.
A key feature of the event will be a 20-meter straight-line racetrack set up in Hall Four, where the teams will race their tiny Formula One cars at lightning speed. Each team’s pit displays will surround the track, allowing visitors to catch a detailed look at the innovative designs and meticulous engineering behind the scaled-down cars.
Attendees can watch the races, explore the pit areas, and chat with the students about the competition. There will also be a Primary School challenge segment where younger visitors can build and race their very own Formula One cars on a specially designed track, making it an interactive STEM learning opportunity.
The last Autosport International Show in January 2020 featured over 600 motorsport and automotive brands and attracted more than 90,000 visitors.
“We’ve had some amazing events at the show and we’re thrilled to be back next year,” said Andrew Denford, founder and chairman of F1 in Schools. “It’s a fantastic platform to showcase F1 in Schools to the industry and the show’s large audience. Plus, the students get to experience the buzz of the event, which is packed with activities and displays. We’re honored to be a significant part of the show and it’s a great chance to highlight the UK’s STEM talent and promote our STEM education programs.”
Ben Whibley, director of events for Autosport Media UK, added: “It’s been wonderful to watch F1 in Schools grow over the past two decades, and we’re excited to see them at the 2023 Autosport International Show. The program has been pivotal in opening up the worlds of engineering and STEM to many young people, including girls. Visitors will be amazed by the students’ creative and entrepreneurial designs during the event. We’re looking forward to hosting the UK national finals in January 2023 before they move on to the world stage.”
