Twelve aspiring engineers from groups underrepresented in motorsport have been awarded fully funded master’s scholarships by Mission 44, the charity founded by seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The new cohort is the largest since the scholarship programme launched in 2022. Each scholar will receive funding worth up to £43,000 to cover tuition fees and living costs, alongside career support, mentoring and networking designed to help them build careers in motorsport.
This year’s scholars bring a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. They include a career changer, self-taught engineers who have independently developed skills in motorsport and aerodynamics, and students who are the first in their families to go to university.
The programme is run by the Royal Academy of Engineering, with support from partners the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK) and motorsport community organisation Driven By Us.
Together, the organisations provide scholars with access to engineering expertise, professional networks and industry insight with dedicated mentors, helping them build the skills, connections and confidence needed to progress into careers in motorsport.
The programme has expanded its eligibility to support more aspiring engineers who face barriers to entering the industry, including women, students from lower-income backgrounds, and students who are Black or of Black heritage.
The expansion comes as significant inequalities remain in access to STEM education and careers. Disadvantaged students are 44% less likely than their peers to progress to advanced STEM study, while women make up only around 10% of the motorsport workforce.
The programme is already helping scholars to turn their ambitions into careers. Of the 13 people awarded scholarships since the programme began, five are now working in Formula 1 and motorsport including Aston Martin Aramco F1, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains and Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
Two others secured roles elsewhere in motorsport and one in the wider engineering sector. Alumni continue to receive mentoring and career support after completing their studies.
“Throughout my career, I've seen how powerful it can be when someone believes in you, opens a door and gives you the opportunity to chase your dreams. That's what we're trying to do through Mission 44. Seeing our scholars go on to build careers in Formula 1 and motorsport is something I'm incredibly proud of. These young people are proof that your background should never define your future and that incredible things can happen when we break down barriers. To our 12 new talented scholars, I want you to dream big, believe in yourselves and never let anyone tell you what you can or can't achieve. You belong in this sport, and you have the power to change it. I can't wait to see what you achieve.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mission 44 Founder
“Receiving the scholarship has made a real difference to me. It gives me more financial freedom while studying for my master’s, allowing me to focus on my degree and take up opportunities that will help me build my career. I want to work in motorsport because I love the combination of engineering, problem-solving and teamwork. I love how the smallest component can make or break the car. It also means a lot to see more women and people from different backgrounds entering motorsport. I didn’t always see many people like me in the room. Seeing that change makes me feel there is a place for me, and I hope to help create that feeling for others too.”
Nancy Shehata, Motorsport Scholarship recipient
Lily Owuye, Graduate Control Systems Engineer at Red Bull, said: “Coming from a lower socioeconomic background, a career in motorsport was not initially on my radar, but my love of STEM subjects at school introduced me to a world of opportunities that I had never previously considered. The MSc Motorsport Scholarship provided financial backing to be able to specialise beyond undergraduate study and connected me with people already working in the sport - hearing directly from industry figures gave me the confidence and mindset to prepare for this early stage of my career.
“Today, I develop control systems software at Red Bull Advanced Technologies, joining other programme alumni taking their first steps in the industry and ensuring that future generations of talent from underrepresented backgrounds continue to be supported
Jason Arthur, CEO of Mission 44, said: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This programme was created in response to the Hamilton Commission’s report to improve representation in motorsport.
“With former scholars now working in Formula 1 and across motorsport, we’re seeing what’s possible when talented people are given the opportunity to thrive. By expanding the programme, we can open doors for more aspiring engineers and help build a motorsport industry where talent from every background can succeed.”
Dr Andrew Clark, Deputy CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “It is imperative that we widen engineering recruitment to include talented people from all backgrounds. The UK has a world-class higher education sector, with proven benefits to postgraduate study. We are delighted to continue working with our partners to support this programme, which helps to remove barriers and enable a more diverse group of new engineers to progress to exciting new roles in the motorsport sector.”
Dr Nike Folayan MBE, Co-founder AFBE-UK said: “Having seen first hand the impact that representation, networks, support and mentoring can make on an individual's trajectory to access a career in Engineering we are delighted to be able to support the scholars on their career journeys. Giving them access to mentors from the industry they aspire to be part of is a crucial part of addressing the skills gap in the engineering sector.”
Stephanie Alexander, Global Partnerships Lead at Driven By Us said: “It is key that we continue to create pathways in motorsport and automotive careers for under-represented talent, as this is proven to boost innovation and creativity within the sector.”
“Increasing representation of diverse talent will showcase new role models to the next generation, inspiring others to pursue a career in a sector that is always at the forefront of change.”
To find out more about the MSc Motorsport Scholarship programme and future opportunities, visit Royal Academy of Engineering’s website here.
