McLaren Formula One car returns to inspire F1 in Schools competitors

As teams prepare to take on the F1 in Schools challenge for 2021, students at Northholm have once again been treated to a visit from a F1 McLaren Mercedes MP4-21 and Dr Michael Myers OAM, Founder and Chairman of Re-Engineering Australia Foundation (REA).

Every year, thousands of schools across 51 nations compete in the F1 for Schools STEM Challenge, using engineering and design concepts to build replica models of F1 racing cars. The program is the world’s foremost student competition for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students are given an insight into real-world technology such as 3D CAD/CAM/CAE engineering design software and soon become proficient in areas such as Coding, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element Analysis.

F1 in Schools McLaren visit

The challenge is to design and build the world’s fastest miniature car, replicas of F1 racing cars. In addition to giving the students an up-close look at the former Grand Prix racing car, Dr Myers kindly tested the students own models for their aerodynamic performance and shared his invaluable knowledge and experience. This year, Northholm will field two teams to compete in the upcoming Regional Competition.

Designed to inspire students to study STEM subjects, the program develops skills in problem solving, project management, communication, presentation, teamwork, innovation, self-promotion, collaboration, marketing and entrepreneurialism. We are incredibly grateful for Dr Myers for giving his time and to Mr McCool for arranging the visit.

F1 McLaren Mercedes MP4-21