F1 in Schools Thailand, led by Dr. Chakraphad 'John' Pitakthararuay, CEO & President of 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. and Kaew Chakraphad Foundation, the official In-Country Delivery Partner of F1 in Schools, recently staged a press conference to announce the upcoming National Finals to be organised for the first time in Bangkok and in the 8-year history of F1 in Schools Thailand at True Digital Park from 27th - 29th September 2024.
This country-level competition, open to students aged 9 to 19, will field top local teams for the F1 in Schools World Finals 2025. Opening ceremony and a certificate presentation ceremony for approximately 150 F1 in Schools Thailand graduating students have been scheduled for 28th September promptly followed by rounds of competitions until 29th September.
"I'm truly excited about hosting the National Finals right here in Bangkok and I expect our Thai teams to continue earning accolades from the global finals," said Dr. John. "F1 in Schools Thailand is more than just a competition; it's a journey of discovery, learning, and growth for our students and especially for members of the teams participating in the F1 in Schools Global Finals."
"We are committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers, empowering them to realise their potential and make a meaningful impact on the world," added Dr. John.
"About 20 teams or more, with the new teams of students from Chearavanont Uthit 2 School under Trueplookpanya, will be vying at the forthcoming 2024 Bangkok challenge," said Mr. Robert "Bobby" Ortiz, In-Country Coordinator of F1 in Schools Thailand. "Our students are currently going through intensive training and coaching and designing their miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block, supported by our hands-on and immersive approach, covering everything from practical activities to 3D design and manufacturing, ensuring a transformative experience like no other."
As regards, the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals 2024 which will be hosted for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in November 2024, up to four teams from Thailand have confirmed to participate: Phayu Racing; Intanin Racing; Team Vega; and Agilas Team. Up to now, 22 countries from around the world host Formula One races. Aramco, headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, has been a longstanding supporter of F1 in Schools following the signing of the sponsorship agreement in 2020.
A total of 16 teams from Thailand has, since 2017, participated in the F1 in Schools World Finals and have been recipients of eight major awards including clinching "First Place in Knockout Seeding" by Kinnaree Racing Team in 2023.
In 2023 a total of 367 students from 33 nations competed in the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore, the biggest event of its kind ever held, and this record-breaking number reflect the ever-increasing global reach of the competition.
There are many success stories of F1 in Schools alumni who have gone on to achieve significant outcomes in their lives including positions in Formula 1 teams like Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team, Mercedes AMG HPP and McLaren Formula 1 Team.
Mr Ortiz added that the F1 in Schools Thailand serves as a bridge between academia and industry, fostering collaboration between educational institutions, corporate partners, and government agencies. Through strategic partnerships such as with Cambridge-based Summatic, for the first time, any learner of any age will be able to access the F1 in Schools Thailand competition and academic programme, anywhere, at any time on any device. Learners will receive quality, personalised learning support through Summatic, and will complete the programme ready to compete on the track and in the exam room.
F1 in Schools as the Official Education Initiative of Formula 1 is a globally recognised STEM learning that inspires young minds, aged as little as five, to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology.
With its roots deeply embedded in Formula 1, the world's most prestigious motor racing series, the F1 in Schools Thailand offers students a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of high-speed racing while honing their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills.
They learn the trade through workshops, mentorship programmes, and networking events to gain insights into the world of motor sport as well as forging connections that may shape their careers. Students can enrol for such workshops and training either face-to-face or online via F1 in Schools Thailand centres of excellence in Bangkok. A popular centre is at Knowledge Exchange Tower on Sathorn.
"Learners not only develop technical skills such as modelling (using CAD/CAM software), aerodynamics, and manufacturing but also cultivate essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, " explained Mr. Bobby.
F1 in Schools is a not-for-profit organisation established with committed partners to provide an educational experience through the magnetic appeal of Formula 1.
Founded in England 24 years ago, F1 in Schools has a presence in 60 nations around the world, spanning from Australia to China, Singapore, Kuwait, South Africa, the US, and Mexico.
The F1 in Schools is not merely an after-school education, but incorporating global multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block.
"The competition also serves as an integral part of the education process and a platform that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among students," noted Mr Bobby.
"In order to accommodate the expanding number of students enrolling in our classes, compounded by the growing interest in F1 in Schools and its huge potential social impact in Thailand, we are adding more F1 in Schools Thailand centres of excellence within 2024," added Mr. Bobby.
In conclusion, F1 in Schools Thailand plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsport in the country and beyond, by epitomising the convergence of education, innovation, and motorsport excellence.