Thousands of pupils get a taste of F1 skills

Schools in the Milton Keynes area have been visited by the initiative

About 4,000 school pupils have had a taste of Formula 1 in their classrooms in a bid to get them interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) careers.

The partnership between Oracle Red Bull Racing and Milton Keynes College saw children in the area given the chance to code miniature F1 cars, build a gas powered racing kit and change tyres in a pit stop challenge.

Primary and secondary schools in Milton Keynes and Rushden in Northamptonshire,have hosted the experience.

Rosie Thompson, from Milton Keynes College, said she wanted to "open their eyes to careers they perhaps haven't even thought about".

Rosie Thompson said young girls "switch off to Stem before they've even reached GCSE level"

She said the initiative's core aim was to" disrupt the talent pipeline" and show children potential careers in F1.

Ms Thompson added: "Formula 1 is such a closed-down sport for a lot of young people... It's just about opening the doors to them so that they can see that there is a future for them in Stem.

"A lot of young girls will switch off to Stem before they've even reached GCSE level."

Calum Nicholas said he had no idea of the opportunities available to him when he was at school

Oracle Red Bull Racing ambassador Calum Nicholas worked as part of the F1 pit crew for seven years.

He said that despite his interest in engineering at school, he found inspiration only after seeing motorsport up close later in life.

The technician explained: "At school I really had no sort of direction or no-one sort of showing me these opportunities in engineering.

"We see that there are gaps for future skills that we really need to fill. The only way to do that is by creating an early pipeline."

Victoria said she needed Stem subjects to be an astronaut

After taking part in the activities at St Paul's Catholic School, 11-year-old Victoria said she found the day "really fun" and useful, particularly enjoying the pit stop and car building activities.

"I want to be an astronaut when I grow up... so that's why I'm really interested in Stem," she said.