Continued support for F1 in Schools initiative

F1 in Schools has the mission to ‘to help change the perceptions of science, technology, engineering and maths by creating a fun and exciting learning environment for young people’. During the challenge, student teams from around the globe work on the production of their racing car models as well as creating a brand identity and ‘pit’ for their teams, undertaking marketing and branding exercises before being judged in regional, national and international finals.

At the recent 2019 National Finals, live streamed across the world from the Airbus A380 wing factory in Broughton, a team of 13 to 15-year-old students from Robert May’s School in Hampshire were named the winners. They will now go on to the F1 in Schools World finals where they will face other national winners for the title of World Champions. 

Gratnells became a willing sponsor of the event two years ago, through pro bono supplies of its storage trays and treble Callero Plus trolleys. Teams are able to customise their own trays for the competition, adding a further element of ownership and originality to their entry. Once the cars enter their respective trays, they are no longer able to be altered. This system enables judges to easily identify each team’s tray and car as well as easily storing and transporting them from place to place.

Gratnells sponsorship is born of common ambitions with the F1 in Schools programme, according to International Marketing Director, Richard Picking: “Firstly, we have a natural affinity with the world of motor sport. Our Chairman and Managing Director Murray Hudson’s son Rory is a highly successful karting competitor and we share F1 in School’s passion for a more engaging and stimulating learning environment, which we promote through our own initiative called Learning Rooms.” 

Chloe Winyard, Gratnells Marketing Assistant, added: “I was delighted to present this award based upon branding design and pit display technology. Gratnells Engineering supports a number of STEM related activities and initiatives, including the F1 in schools project, which has been a big inspiration to me. To spend time with such inspiring, focused and intelligent young people is such a pleasure and I always come back with a brain full of ideas and inspiration.”

Gratnells remain heavily involved with the promotion of STEM subjects in schools and has sponsored the Science Technician of the Year Award for the best part of a decade. The company has recently supported campaigns such as the Year of Engineering and developed key relationships with educational institutions in the Harlow area.