Racing through year one: STEM achievements unlocked with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team collaboration

Launched in February, the Future Engineers Academy has waved the green flag on engineering education across Star Academies’ schools, offering primary and secondary pupils a pole-position introduction to the world of motorsport and engineering careers. The programme was delivered by Driven By Us and Motivez, who brought hands-on projects to life and coordinated visits from inspiring engineering role models throughout the year.

Across Birmingham, pupils from Star Small Heath Leadership Academy, Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham, Star King Solomon Academy and Starbank School have taken pole position in the Future Engineers Academy – a dynamic programme spanning primary and secondary phases. From the 'Spark' activities that introduced Year 6 pupils to engineering through hands-on challenges, to 'Ignite' sessions inspiring Year 8 and 9 pupils with design competitions and career insights, and the deeper 'Accelerate' enrichment programmes involving kart builds and coding, the Academy has offered a full-throttle journey into motorsport innovation. Along the way, pupils have developed practical STEM skills and gained valuable insight into engineering careers.

The Future Engineers Academy’s ‘Spark’ programme kicked off a thrilling introduction to engineering for Year 6 pupils across Starbank School’s three primary sites and Star King Solomon Academy’s primary phase. Delivered in May 2025, ‘Spark’ launched with high-energy assemblies led by Motivez and Driven By Us, featuring inspiring engineers and role models such as George Imafidon MBE (CEO, Motivez), James Dornor (CEO, Driven By Us), and Laila Fadli Dokkali, a Graduate Trackside Engineer at Pirelli with experience at Mercedes AMG HPP (High Performance Powertrains).

Following the launch, pupils immersed themselves in hands-on engineering challenges during drop-down days across all four primary sites. Activities included building LEGO® Formula One cars and racing remote-controlled vehicles through obstacle courses – adjusting parameters such as tyres and springs to explore real-world engineering concepts in a fun and interactive way. Pupils also engaged with a coding after-school club with Creative Hut, using physical coding tools alongside a digital app to build programming skills and solve challenges together.

The programme culminated in a fast-paced finale event, where pupils were challenged to design their own Formula One car that reflected the values and vision of their team while addressing key engineering challenges. Pupils presented their innovative ideas to a panel of judges, with all designs showcasing creativity, teamwork and engineering flair.

The ‘Ignite’ programme energised Year 8 and 9 pupils from across Star Small Heath Leadership Academy, Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham, Star King Solomon Academy and Starbank School. Throughout the programme, pupils were supported and inspired by a range of engineering role models – professionals working across motorsport, engineering, and STEM industries – who championed innovation, creativity and ambition among the young participants. Schools received detailed materials and enjoyed interactive sessions focusing on diverse career paths within motorsport and engineering. Using real-world examples and role model stories from the wider motorsport industry, the sessions motivated pupils to think creatively, embrace challenges and fuel their ambitions for future STEM careers. The programme concluded with an exciting competition finale, where pupils showcased innovative designs for sustainable F1 cars – incorporating engineering, marketing and branding – to a panel of expert judges.

Building on the energy of Ignite, the ‘Accelerate’ programme offered Year 8 and 9 pupils hands-on experience with engineering and coding, combining practical projects and digital learning to deepen their STEM skills and creativity.

Central to Accelerate was a collaborative kart build using kits from Stem on Track, where pupils tackled different aspects of the build with expert guidance through online resources and in-person sessions, before culminating in an exciting track test day at Alvar Karting Centre.

Looking back on the success of the Future Engineers Academy’s first year, Anca Raines, Chief People Officer, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said: “I am proud to see that this programme, created by the team and Star Academies, is having the desired impact and inspiring the next generation.”

Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, added: “We’re incredibly proud of how the Future Engineers Academy has engaged our pupils, sparking curiosity and confidence in STEM subjects through inspiring, hands-on experiences. Across our schools, our young people are gaining vital skills that will empower them to innovate and lead in the future. We look forward to continuing this journey and seeing even more young engineers thrive in the years ahead.”

James Dornor, CEO of Driven By Us, praised the pupils’ passion and creativity, saying: “Reflecting on the journey of the Future Engineers Academy, I’m amazed by what pupils have achieved at every stage. This programme hasn’t just taught them engineering, it’s cultivated resilience, teamwork, and ambition. These experiences have laid a powerful foundation for a future generation of engineers.”

George Imafidon MBE, CEO of Motivez, highlighted the programme’s impact on pupils’ confidence and skills: “The Future Engineers Academy not only sparks curiosity but also equips young people with the practical skills and self-belief they need to thrive in STEM careers.”

Together, the Future Engineers Academy – made possible by the support of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and delivered by partners Motivez and Driven By Us – has not only accelerated pupils’ STEM skills but ignited a passion for innovation, teamwork and problem-solving that will drive the next generation of engineers and leaders. With real-world experience, expert mentorship and unforgettable challenges, these young trailblazers are well on their way to leading the future of engineering and beyond – and the journey continues with even more exciting opportunities planned for next academic year.