Record number of teams set to compete in 2023 Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore

A record 68 teams will compete at the 2023 Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore over the Grand Prix week in September.

The record-breaking entry list reflects Formula 1’s increasing global popularity, especially among younger audiences.

READ MORE: Discover more about F1 in Schools here

F1’s TV audience aged 12-17 saw the biggest increase in 2022 (49% year-on-year according to ESPN viewing figures) and F1 in Schools offers this age group the opportunity to engage in the sport whilst learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) subjects. In addition, 34 percent more women tuned in, echoing F1 in School’s push for diversity in its entries, with a 60-40 split between male and female participants in the 2022 World Finals.

F1 in Schools is a not-for-profit social enterprise aiming to change the perception of STEM-related subjects through global competition. Students take part in a multi-disciplinary challenge in which they must use professional CAD software to design, analyse, manufacture, test and race miniature air-powered cars.

F1 in Schools’ key aim is to improve educational opportunities in STEM subjects globally, as well as to increase diversity in motorsport and engineering among underrepresented groups. Of the 60 countries where F1 in Schools is active, 26 will be represented by over 400 students, once again offering an extensive reach for the World Finals.

“The 2023 Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals is set to be the biggest edition of our global STEM challenge to date,” said Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman, F1 in Schools. “With F1’s growth and an increasing interest in STEM activities, we have been able to branch into new territories and that has been reflected in a record number of entries. We are eagerly anticipating the week of the Singapore Grand Prix to crown our new world champions.”

On September 10-13, students aged 11-19 from around the world that have succeeded in school, regional and national contests will compete to be crowned world champions. In teams of three-to-six, they will use cars that they designed and manufactured themselves to a comprehensive set of technical regulations using professional CAD software.

The competition does not stop at who is fastest on the 20-metre track. A panel of judges, chaired by former Jordan and Jaguar F1 Technical Director Gary Anderson, will mark the teams on project management, marketing, teamwork, innovation and communication to determine the winner.

“Formula 1 is incredibly proud of its efforts to introduce young students to STEM subjects through a unique competition,” said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 CEO and President. “F1 in Schools is feeding the passion for these topics among the next generation, as a record number of entries is demonstrating. It’s almost guaranteed that at least one future F1 engineer will be among the students taking part in Singapore.”

New for this year is the addition of the Halo device and a driver to the model cars, offering a fresh challenge to the teams and making their designs more closely reflective of the F1 cars on which they are based. Teams will also be able to take part in an optional challenge to develop a car with a nose that can be dismantled and replaced in the shortest possible time, mimicking the famous F1 pit stop.

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft will once again host the World Finals award ceremony. The event itself is supported by two F1 Global Partners: Aramco is the title sponsor for the second consecutive year, with Qatar Airways offering support by providing discounted flights to competitors.