F1 in Schools at BGS

‘In racing there are always things you can learn, every single day.’

Lewis Hamilton

What is F1 in Schools?

F1 in Schools is an international STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) competition designed for students.

The competition involves teams who are challenged to use CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered balsa wood F1 cars.

It’s a multi-disciplinary challenge that is not only about speed; it also encompasses elements of design, engineering, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and promotes careers and opportunities in these fields.

In Australia, F1 in Schools is run by Re-Engineering Australia.

2024 National Champions

Well done, you did it! 

Congratulations to the Year 10s of Team Lunar, Max Zilberman, Carey Tong, Liam Jones, Oliver Chernikeeff and Leo Jansen, who are newly crowned 2024 National Champions (Professional Class), taking out 1st place in the F1 in Schools National Finals in Adelaide.

For Team Lunar, there will be even more challenges to come, as they now look ahead to the F1 in Schools World Finals where they’ll be representing Australia in late 2024. 

Designed by teachers, informed by engineers, and endorsed by F1, setting students on the track to STEM success.

F1 in schools at BGS

F1 in Schools has been running at BGS for several years, with many teams and numerous students competing at State and National competitions. It is offered as part of the Secondary School co-curriculum program.

Starting in Year 7 students, interested students form teams with the goal of eventually competing. Beginning with weekly lunch time meetings in the BHIVE, teams with the most developed and best concepts will progress to a level where they can start to compete.

The process is intensive but rewarding, and many important life skills are learnt along the way, beyond the actual competition. 

In 2024 we are looking to offer the F1 in Schools primary class program in the Junior School. Stay tuned for more info.

It's more than just racing

Students use milling machines, smoke and wind tunnels, and electronic race tracks while they learn essential collaboration skills to exchange ideas. 

The program ultimately provides students with insights into potential career pathways with various industries playing a significant role in the competition. Students must engage with local businesses to enhance their understanding of engineering, manufacturing, product development and marketing often working with potential employers and colleagues. 

F1 in Schools World Finals

In 2023 we competed at the World Finals for the first time with Team Constellation representing Australia and BGS in Singapore.

For the team the competition represented the culmination of years of competition and hard work, as well as a last hurrah for a team of students made up of completing or completed students.

Constellation finished 17th overall, achieving the fastest track time of any Australian team at 1.123sec, going even faster in the knockout stage with 1.120sec.

To Team Constellation: James Mitchell (OB 2022), James Tan (Year 12), Jenson Galvin (OB 2023) and Matthew Westerman (OB 2022), well done! We hope you’ve enjoyed the ride. 

Do you want to learn more?

Read articles from our archives: 

2023 World Finals report (Sept 2023)
2023 National Finals report (Apr 2023
2022 State Finals report (Nov 2022)
2022 National Finals report (May 2022
2021 F1 in Schools post (Dec 2021)
2021 F1 in Schools post (Nov 2021) – Constellation meet Red Bull
2021 F1 in Schools post (Nov 2021) – Constellation x Red Bull
2021 National Finals report 2 (May 2021)
2021 National Finals report 1 (May 2021)
2019 F1 in Schools post (Nov 2019)
2019 State Finals report (Oct 2019)
2019 F1 in Schools post (Mar 2019)
2018 F1 in Schools post (Nov 2018)
2017 F1 in Schools post (Nov 2017)
2016 F1 in Schools post (Nov 2016)