A global education programme that reached over 150,000 young people across four countries in its first year is set to be expanded for another two years across seven countries, reaching nearly 250,000 students in total.
Learning Sectors, a collaboration between Formula 1® and the British Council, aims to inspire thousands of young people around the world to get involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Announced as a year-long programme in January 2025, the initiative worked with young people aged 7 to 16 in 700 schools across Brazil, India, South Africa, and the UK, reaching over 150,000 students.
The programme will now be extended for another two years, widening delivery to another three countries: Spain, China and Mexico, reaching nearly 250,000 students across 1,000 schools.
In the first year of the programme, Learning Sectors reached more than 700 schools, with Formula 1 utilising its network of engineers and subject matter experts to give students a better understanding of STEM subjects and further bringing the sport to life; while the British Council worked closely with its global network to support the programme’s delivery and maximise impact.
An exciting new oracy component is being added to the programme this year which is designed to strengthen young people’s presentation and communication skills through engaging, media-inspired learning and activities focused on broadcasting and media, including inspiration from careers connected to Formula 1.
By building confidence in oracy and raising awareness of communication-based careers, the programme aims to broaden aspirations among young people, particularly girls and learners from marginalised groups and encourage greater participation in future media and broadcasting careers.
Over the last 12 months, students gained live online access to Formula 1 experts through the Learning Sectors LIVE event. Competition winners attended the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2025 and FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRANDE PRÊMIO DE SÃO PAULO GRAND PRIX 2025, where students met Audi Revolut F1® driver and local hero Gabriel Bortoleto, a meeting with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in India; and an off-track celebration in South Africa.
Accessibility forms one of the central pillars of Learning Sectors, with ready-to-go-resources designed to be incorporated into the everyday classroom curriculum, so all students can participate in the activities.
As the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and education opportunities, the British Council has delivered meaningful education programmes around the world for 90 years.
Learning Sectors fosters strong international connections between the participating schools and gives students the opportunity to learn about different cultures and collaborate with their peers across borders.
Learning Sectors is the latest education programme supported by Formula 1 as part of the sport’s wider commitment to inspiring the next generation and leaving a positive legacy. Other initiatives include a collaboration with Mission 44, a charity set up by Lewis Hamilton, to advocate for greater representation, diversity, and inclusion in motorsport to create meaningful change for young people facing social injustice through education, empowerment, and employment opportunities, and the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship, which covers the entire tuition and living costs of undergraduates from underrepresented groups.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive, British Council, said: “Learning Sectors has made a significant impact in its first year, reaching 150,000 young people in 700 schools across four countries. We’re delighted that it has been extended for another two years and expanded to offer opportunities for thousands more young people. Working with Formula 1 we will be able to support more young people to develop the knowledge, skills and passion necessary for careers in science, technology and engineering.”
Chris Elmore MP, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Minister responsible for Soft Power, said: “I’m delighted that the joint initiative, Learning Sectors, from Formula 1 and the British Council will continue doing fantastic work to bring STEM subjects to life and expand the programme’s reach to 3 more countries. This is an incredible example of the UK demonstrating its expertise and network to foster strong international connections between the UK and young people in other countries, empowering students with crucial experience and skills for careers in science, technology and engineering.”
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “Inspiring the next generation is at the heart of our sport. Young people are the future innovators, engineers, mechanics, and storytellers, and championing their growth is one of our most important responsibilities. We are proud to continue our support of Learning Sectors, a programme already making a powerful impact in classrooms worldwide and set to reach nearly 250,000 students over the next two years. Expanding the activities to include experiences inspired by our world-class broadcast operation opens even more opportunities for young people to explore their skills and realise their potential. This programme strengthens our commitment to leaving a positive legacy, empowering talent, and supporting communities by using Formula 1 to drive real change.”