Students compete for F1 world title after UK success

Sean, Piers, Zac, Atticus, Jaime and Cole won the F1 in Schools UK competition

A group of six Kent students have seen off nearly 300 other competitors to win a national Formula 1 challenge.

The LEAF1 team from Simon Langton School, in Canterbury, designed and manufactured their model Formula 1 car before racing it at a two-day event in Rotherham.

Daniel Pledger, head of design at the school, told BBC Radio Kent he was proud to see his students flourish and win the F1 in Schools UK competition.

LEAF1 are hoping to repeat their success as they compete on the international stage at the F1 in Schools World Finals.

Sean, Piers, Zac, Atticus, Jaime and Cole made their model at school and had to consider car speed, engineering quality, brand identity and their presentation skills.

Cole, enterprise manager for LEAF1, said: “It’s really helped me develop my confidence and talking to other people in a professional and consistent way.”

LEAF1 team's winning car is capable of reaching 100mph (160km/h).

The cars, powered by compressed air, are fired along a track and can reach speeds of 100mph (160km/h).

LEAF1 beat 59 other teams and ended their time at the Magna Science Adventure Centre showered in confetti on top of the podium.

Mr Pledger said: “I’m really proud of the team. A project like this brings in so many different factors and allows the students to flourish.”

The team have won a scholarships to study mechanical engineering at Aston University.

They will also get work placements at Williams Racing, an “exclusive experience” at this year’s British F1 Grand Prix and a tour on an F1 team’s factory.