Formula 1 has announced that its Engineering Scholarship programme at Oxford will continue for a further three years, extending support for talented engineering students from backgrounds currently under-represented in the field.
Oxford is one of five universities working with Formula 1 to provide scholars with financial support throughout their undergraduate degree, alongside opportunities to gain experience of the motorsport industry.
Established in 2021, the programme has since supported 48 students, including 10 Engineering Science students at Oxford.
Two scholarships are offered at Oxford each year, covering tuition fees and a grant towards living costs for the full four years of the undergraduate MEng Engineering Science course.
It is one of several Formula 1 initiatives intended to break down barriers and increase accessibility and opportunities for young people from underrepresented groups in motorsport.
The Oxford scholarship is open to Black and Minority Ethnic undergraduate Engineering Science UK offer-holders from low-income households, focusing on Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi students. Applications from female offer-holders are particularly encouraged.
Scholars gain access to career development opportunities, including a work placement with one of Formula 1's ten teams during their second year of study, as well as a visit to the Formula 1 Media and Technology Centre and the chance to go behind the scenes at a Grand Prix.
Professor Clive Siviour, Head of the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, said, 'We are delighted that Formula 1 is renewing its commitment to this important programme. Removing financial barriers helps talented Engineering Science students from all backgrounds to thrive at Oxford and take full advantage of the academic, personal and professional opportunities that an Oxford education offers.'
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, said, 'Formula 1 is proud to extend the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship for a further three academic years. This significant investment reinforces our commitment to making the sport more accessible to young people from all backgrounds, creating opportunities for the next generation of talent to build a career in motorsport.'
A Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship recipient, now in their second year of study, said, 'Words cannot describe how much this scholarship has changed my life. The ability to pay for all the costs of Oxford has been a key reason that my first year has been successful; I have been able to focus on my course without having to worry about whether I can afford my next meal. I would like to say a massive thank you to the donors and board of management. I hope to make the most of my time at university, and through the scholarship I am much more capable of doing so.'
