The next generation of Formula 1 talent will take centre stage in Singapore this October, as more than 90 student teams compete to become the 2026 Aramco STEM Racing World Champions.
Formula 1 isn’t just about the drivers behind the wheel. From aerodynamics and mechanical engineering to design, data and innovation, the modern F1 paddock relies on thousands of talented professionals working behind the scenes.
Now, a new generation of aspiring engineers and motorsport professionals is preparing to showcase what they can do at the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2026, taking place from 3–7 October at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore.
The global competition brings together more than 90 teams of students aged between 13 and 19, giving them the opportunity to put their STEM skills to the test in a miniature version of the world of Formula 1.
From the Classroom to the F1 Paddock
Supported by Formula 1, STEM Racing challenges students to create and manage their own miniature F1 team.
Teams are tasked with designing and manufacturing a 1:25 scale Formula 1 car, before putting their creations through their paces on a 20-metre STEM Racing track.
But the competition goes far beyond simply building a fast car.
Students are given the chance to develop skills across engineering, aerodynamics, manufacturing, project management, marketing and teamwork – providing an early introduction to the wide range of careers available within motorsport.
With the 2026 World Finals bringing together the strongest teams from around the globe, the event represents the pinnacle of the STEM Racing programme.
And for some former competitors, the experience has been much more than a school competition – it has been the first step towards a career in Formula 1.
STEM Racing Alumni Are Already Working in F1
The programme’s impact can be seen throughout the modern motorsport industry, with former competitors now working for major F1 teams and power-unit programmes.
Among them are Lewis Fowler, an aerodynamic design engineer at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team; Kyriakos Theofanidis, a junior mechanical engineer at Oracle Red Bull Racing; and Merritt Kendzior, a design engineer at GM Performance Power Units.
For Fowler, who competed in F1 in Schools – now known as STEM Racing – between 2016 and 2019, the programme provided an early route into the sport.
As part of Evolve UK, Fowler became a member of the 2019 F1 in Schools World Championship-winning team.
His experience ultimately helped him pursue his ambition of working in Formula 1.
“Competing opened my eyes to the career opportunities that F1 brings,” Fowler explained, describing the programme as an important part of his journey into the sport.
He also believes his experience gave him an advantage when applying for jobs, allowing him to demonstrate both his technical knowledge and genuine passion for Formula 1.
From Miniature F1 Cars to Red Bull Racing
For Kyriakos Theofanidis, STEM Racing transformed an existing passion for motorsport into a potential career.
Growing up around rallying with his father, Theofanidis already had a strong interest in cars. However, competing with Greek team Infinite Racing gave him the opportunity to apply engineering skills to a real motorsport project.
The team went on to become STEM Racing World Champions in 2016.
That experience helped inspire Theofanidis to pursue engineering, eventually leading to roles within Formula 1 – including working with Mercedes before moving to Red Bull.
Looking back, he describes becoming World Champion as a turning point.
“I don’t know if I would have been in Formula 1 if it hadn’t been for STEM Racing,” he said.
Today, his career has taken him into the heart of the F1 paddock, demonstrating just how far an interest in building a miniature race car can go.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
Merritt Kendzior’s journey offers another example of how STEM Racing can help young people find their place in motorsport.
Kendzior competed in STEM Racing USA during the 2013/14 season, representing the United States at the World Finals and finishing as runner-up in 2013.
Now a design engineer at GM Performance Power Units, she is also the programme and competitions manager for STEM Racing USA.
Her career has given her a front-row seat to the continuing expansion of Formula 1, including GM Performance Power Units’ work developing the propulsion system for the upcoming Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
Kendzior credits STEM Racing with introducing her to Formula 1 at just 14 years old and helping her develop practical skills and confidence outside the classroom.
For a traditionally male-dominated industry, programmes that introduce young people to engineering and motorsport at an early age could play an important role in widening the talent pool entering the sport.
Who Will Become the 2026 STEM Racing World Champions?
The Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2026 will give more than 90 teams the opportunity to compete on an international stage, putting their engineering, creativity and teamwork to the ultimate test.
The competition will take place at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, from 3–7 October 2026, with students battling to claim the prestigious World Champions title.
While only one team can ultimately win, the bigger story could be what happens after the chequered flag.
Previous competitors have gone on to work across the Formula 1 industry, proving that STEM Racing can provide a genuine pathway from education into professional motorsport.
As Formula 1 continues to grow globally, competitions such as STEM Racing could prove increasingly important in finding the engineers, designers and innovators who will shape the future of the sport.
Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman of STEM Racing, believes the programme’s alumni are its strongest proof point.
“Lewis, Kyriakos, and Merritt aren’t just success stories — they’re proof of what is possible when young people are given the right environment to discover their potential.”
With the 2026 STEM Racing World Finals now approaching, the next generation of F1 talent is getting ready to take to the track.
And some of the students competing in Singapore this October could one day find themselves on the other side of the barrier – working inside an F1 garage, designing the next generation of race cars or helping power the sport’s future.
The Aramco STEM Racing World Finals is supported by title sponsor Aramco, alongside partners including Denford, Autodesk, Ansys, Maaden, the Singapore Grand Prix, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, UCL Mechanical Engineering, Singapore Tourism Board and the FIA.
For more information, visit the official STEM Racing website and follow the latest developments from Formula 1.
