Opening Doors to Engineering at Williams
Driven By Us recently teamed up with Atlassian Williams Racing to give groups of primary school children an unforgettable day inside the world of Formula 1 engineering. The visits provide an extraordinary opportunity for the pupils to explore how innovation, teamwork and creativity drive the sport as well as to spark new ideas about their own futures in engineering.
Racing Like the Pros
One of the day’s highlights was the chance for the children to climb into state-of-the-art race simulators. Competing on four different F1 tracks and in varying weather conditions, the pupils got a taste of the skill and adaptability required of professional drivers. The excitement of the simulators set the tone for a day filled with hands-on learning and discovery.
Behind the Scenes: A Private Tour of Williams Heritage
The groups are treated to a private tour of the Williams Heritage Museum, a facility usually closed to the public. Here, the pupils get to explore the incredible history of Williams in Formula, from the iconic championship-winning cars of Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill, to the technological breakthroughs that helped shape modern motorsport. The children also learn how the team’s engineering innovations over the decades have influenced both racing and everyday automotive technology.
The experience of lifting a modern side pod, an ultra-light yet incredibly strong component, is a privilege that few outside the team ever get. It demonstrates the cutting-edge materials science at the heart of Formula 1 design. As a part of this private tour, the students and Driven By Us members get the opportunity to hold a side pod.
Hands-On Engineering: Designing Crash-Test Front Wings
The day’s most interactive element came with a crash-test design challenge. Pupils were divided into six teams and asked to step into the shoes of F1 engineers. Their task: design a mini paper car front wing that could absorb impact and reduce G-forces in a simulated crash.
Each team was given a budget, encouraging them to think carefully about resources, costs, and trade-offs, just like real engineering teams. After building their wings, they put them to the test in a crash simulator, recording data to see which design performed best. The challenge encouraged problem-solving, creativity and teamwork, while also introducing the children to the importance of safety engineering in motorsport.
This activity linked directly with Williams’ wider Crumple Zone Challenge, which has been designed to help students understand how engineering innovations keep drivers safe at over 200 mph.
A Programme for the Next Generation
These visits are a part of the Williams STEM Experience, a free initiative currently unique in Formula 1. In 2025, the programme aims to reach 10,000 UK schoolchildren, offering them the chance to step inside the world of motorsport through activities like exploring simulators, seeing historic race cars, and taking part in engineering challenges. Driven By Us supports several of these school visits throughout the year.
From heritage cars driven by legends like Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna to interactive safety demonstrations, Williams is using its platform to make engineering accessible and exciting for the next generation.
Building Futures, One Experience at a Time
For the children who join the visit, the day is about more than just racing. It is about seeing how science, technology and teamwork can create extraordinary opportunities. Whether through the thrill of the simulators, the history of iconic race cars, or the challenge of crash-test design, the pupils leave with new knowledge and inspiration for the future.
Driven By Us is proud to support these opportunities, showing how motorsport can play a role in building inclusive pathways into engineering for young people everywhere.
Learn more about Williams’ STEM initiatives here.
