Formula 1 will fund two Engineering Scholarships for under-represented groups at the University of Strathclyde as part of its #WeRaceAsOne initiative.

The initiative, launched last year, aims to increase diversity and inclusion across Formula 1, in addition to the wider plans the company set out in its diversity and inclusion strategy in 2019.

Formula 1 announced last year that as a sport it would focus specifically on creating employment and education opportunities for underrepresented groups with a personal contribution of $1 million from Non- Executive Chairman, Chase Carey to finance primarily, but not exclusively, Engineering-focused scholarships for underrepresented students.

Full cost

Two of the scholarships will be available at Strathclyde for undergraduate students in the department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from underrepresented groups including ethnic minorities, women, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Each scholarship will provide the full cost of a student’s tuition, together with a living stipend.

Professor Alex Galloway, Deputy Associate Principal and Head of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering department at Strathclyde, said:

We are delighted to have been awarded the two F1 scholarships for underrepresented groups.

It aligns with our own ambitions at Strathclyde that ability should be the only determining factor for entry to the University, and, for the chosen candidates, it will hopefully be a launch pad to a fulfilling and successful engineering career.”

Formula 1 will also be placing two long-term apprentices from underrepresented groups within its organisation in 2021.  The apprenticeships will begin in September and have a focus on mechanical engineering.

In addition, six interns from underrepresented groups will be offered roles across the company in 2021, with a mix of short- and longer-term placements.

Talented people

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 said: “Formula 1 is a global sport with fans across the world. We want to be as diverse as our fan base and that is why we are taking action to ensure talented people from underrepresented groups have the best opportunities to get into, and build, a fantastic career in this amazing sport. I am delighted to announce that scholars, apprentices and interns will get the chance to fulfil their dreams in Formula 1 and I know they have amazing futures ahead of them. I want to pay particular thanks to Chase whose generous donation is funding the ten scholarships.

“Our #WeRaceAsOne platform is our commitment to make real change and shows our recognition that we know we must make a positive contribution to the world we live in. All of the teams are committed to this and the work of the Hamilton Commission shows the dedication to addressing these issues across Formula 1.

"Our focus is on Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability and Community and we will continue to drive forward with our plans to be more diverse, more sustainable and leave a lasting positive impact on the countries and communities we visit.

“We know we must continue to move forward on these issues and the whole sport is united in doing this in the months and years ahead.”