For the past 4 months, I’ve been immersed in the world of F1 in Schools, running our programme here at Digital Jersey. It’s been incredible to see students aged 11-18 develop their skills through monthly practice sessions, to competing in Jersey’s first Regional event. Leading to our four successful teams heading to the UK Nationals last week. This was a huge milestone for Jersey, with this being the first time the island has ever competed in the F1 in schools programme in the 25 years the programme has been running!
UK Nationals – A Whirlwind of Innovation
Stepping into the UK Nationals was electric! The energy was noticeable before you entered the room with excitement buzzing through the air. Our four Jersey teams – Dark Pace (VIC), Mach 3 (JCG), Vanguard Racing (VIC) and Saturn VI (DLS) joined students from across the UK at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham and the experience was simply mind-blowing.
Before the main event, I had the chance to witness the UK Primary School National Final. Honestly, the level of innovation and talent from these young minds was astounding. It was inspiring to see so many kids, most under 10, tackling global challenges and finding joy in STEM. The advice and insights they shared were invaluable, definitely something we’ll be bringing over to Jersey in the future.
The competition venue itself was something else! A massive space with a 20m racetrack at its heart, surrounded by professional lighting, live commentary and real time race data on a huge screen. It felt like a real F1 event! Around the hall, there were stands showcasing the work of Denford CNC machines, wind tunnels, reaction tests and even a SIM racing setup. In the centre of the display of course was Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin, a clear display demonstrating potential career paths for these budding engineers.
Day One – Judging and Racing
Day one started bright and early with a team briefing and pit setup. Nerves were definitely kicking in as we saw the incredible work other teams had put in. The morning was a whirlwind of activity, with sessions for enterprise judging, design and engineering assessments and pit display judging. Then, it was time for the main event, the racing!
Watching our teams put their cars on the 4 row track, powered by 8g CO2 canisters, was intense. The focus was on ensuring the cars ran straight and fast, with the quickest reaction time being crucial. The speeds were incredible and seeing how the teams had developed their cars from the initial design to this point was amazing. The pressure was on the drivers as they lined up to send their car flying down the track. All our Jersey drivers did amazing and wowed the commentators, with our professional teams receiving comments of how impressive their cars were for a first year entry at this level, well done Vanguard Racing and Saturn VI.
Saturn VI, Vanguard Racing and Mach 3
Day Two – Feedback, Finals and a Jersey Triumph!
Day two dawned and the teams were straight into action, eager to absorb the valuable feedback from the judges. This wasn’t just about the competition, it was a masterclass in engineering, design and presentation. Each team received detailed critiques, highlighting areas for improvement and offering insights that will be invaluable for next year’s competition.
With the feedback digested, it was time for the final racing heats. Our development and pro teams took to the track, pushing their cars to the limit. All four teams secured positions in the top 30, a testament to their dedication and the quality of their engineering. This achievement wasn’t just about speed, it was about highlighting the potential of Jersey’s young engineers on a national stage.
Beyond the racing, the day was a whirlwind of networking and knowledge sharing. Our teams connected with expert judges and students from across the UK, exchanging ideas and learning about different manufacturing techniques and portfolio strategies. It was a collaborative environment, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for innovation.
Then came the awards ceremony, a moment of anticipation and excitement. The atmosphere was electric, with clips from the World Finals in Singapore playing on the big screen, showcasing the global scale of the competition. The opportunity to meet Fernando Alonso and walk the pit lanes was a dream come true for many of the students who had attended the World Finals last year.
Our Jersey College for Girls team Mach 3, a development team consisting of Elise, Penelope and Elle did a fantastic job with their verbal presentation, earning a nomination and placing a close second. However, the excitement peaked when “Mach 3” was announced as the winner of the Judge’s Choice Award! It was truly fantastic to see the three girls, filled with shock and excitement, accept their award. A huge thank you to their sponsor INDU for their unwavering support and to their dedicated teachers.
The other three teams, Dark Pace (development), Vanguard Racing (pro) and Saturn VI (pro) also performed exceptionally well. All teams impressed the judges with their hard work and have been a true credit to Jersey. I look forward to working with these teams again to continue to develop them and hopefully build a winning car. How fantastic it would be to see the Jersey flag at the World finals!
A Learning Curve and a Triumph
This event not only highlighted how important these opportunities are for kids to explore the world of STEM but also emphasised that anyone can participate in these competitions. It’s a door to be opened, potentially leading to a fantastic career in F1 or other engineering fields.
Digital Jersey is committed to building on this success and providing even more opportunities for young people in Jersey to explore the world of F1 in Schools. We’re already looking forward to the next season and building on what we’ve learned! If you’re interested in getting involved as a student, school or sponsor, please reach out to Digital Jersey!
