
Yesterday, ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Mission 44 invited a group of young people to the Circuit of the Americas for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to experience the dynamic world of STEM, and the thrills of a career in motorsport.
The event is the latest in a series in which Mission 44, supported by Formula 1, provides exclusive access to the F1 Paddock plus a range of exciting STEM activities, to young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The aim is to inspire them to take their place in an industry currently lacking in diversity, but with ambitions to change.
Young people attending included engineering students from The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Black and LatinX young women studying STEM subjects with Code2College, and students from the Make It Center, an Austin-based community space delivering hands-on work experiences.
Make It Center hosted an activity in which our guests designed and personalised their own Formula 1 cars. During the session, they were treated to a surprise visit from Seven-Time Formula 1 World Champion and Mission 44 founder, Sir Lewis Hamilton. Lewis checked out their creations, shared some words of inspiration and stayed on to answer questions from the group.
Mission 44’s new supporter, Hot Wheels, then brought its ‘Challenge Accepted’ concept to life, with its toy designers and engineers leading a workshop. The session taught the group about the physics behind their track sets, explored track-building challenges, and spoke to the idea of ‘Try. Fail. Repeat. Grow.’
The group was also given a tour through the F1 paddock and Pirelli tyre fitting zone, allowing them to get a behind-the-scenes view of the race, and ask questions along the way.
“One of Mission 44’s main goals is to open doors to STEM careers for young people. Today, thanks to the support of our partners, young people enjoyed hands-on experience of the career possibilities in motorsport. I hope they’ve been inspired to believe anything’s possible in STEM, and that there’s a place for them in this industry.”
“My highlight was meeting Lewis Hamilton and Stephanie Travers. As a Black woman, it was really inspiring to hear their stories – it made me feel like I can do anything. That I can achieve my goal, even if there are obstacles. Now, I’m inspired to work even harder to get to the places I want to get to.”
“Hot Wheels is honoured to play a part and support the important work of our inaugural partner of the Challenger Spirit Fund, Mission 44. Through the Challenger Spirit Fund, we aim to help youth of all ages to try, fail, repeat, and grow. Our presence at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix allows Hot Wheels to further our commitment and involvement in the next generation and nurturing growth mindsets for all.”
Thank you to all of the Mission 44 partners who made this event possible: