STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools)

STEM Racing, formerly F1 in Schools, asks students to do much more than produce a fast miniature car. Teams design and manufacture the vehicle, work within technical regulations, create a team identity, manage the project and present their decisions. Cars are scrutinised and raced, but the competition also exposes whether the group worked like an integrated engineering organisation. The global programme describes teams of three to six students, with roles spanning design, manufacturing, testing, branding and management. It has developed from F1 in Schools into STEM Racing while retaining a regional-to-national-to-global pathway. In Ireland, the school team therefore needs both technical capacity and a plan for dividing responsibility without creating isolated departments. CompeteMap sees STEM Racing as a strong fit for students attracted to motorsport, CAD or product design who also want a public team project. Its breadth is an advantage for mixed interests, but it creates a substantial preparation load. A beautiful portfolio cannot rescue a non-compliant car, and a fast car does not explain a confused design process. Teams should decide early what evidence will connect simulation, manufacture, testing, brand and presentation.