Bangkok, Thailand, July 22, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / F1 in Schools Thailand, under the leadership of Dr. Chakraphad 'John' Pitakthararuay, CEO & President of 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. and the Kaew Chakraphad Foundation, the official in-country delivery partner of F1 in Schools, recently held a press conference to announce the upcoming national finals, which will be held for the first time in Bangkok and in the 8-year history of F1 in Schools Thailand at True Digital Park from September 27-29, 2024.

This nationwide competition, open to students aged 9 to 19, will determine the best local teams for the F1 in Schools World Final 2025. The opening ceremony and certificate presentation for approximately 150 F1 in Schools Thailand graduates are scheduled for September 28, immediately followed by the competition rounds until September 29.

“I am delighted to host the national final here in Bangkok, and I expect our Thai teams to achieve further success at the global final,” said Dr. John. “F1 in Schools Thailand is more than just a competition; it is a journey of discovery, learning, and growth for our students and especially for the team members who participate in the F1 in Schools global final.”

“We are committed to fostering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers and enabling them to reach their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to the world,” added Dr. John.

“Around 20 teams or more, including the new student teams from Chearavanont Uthit 2 School led by Trueplookpanya, will participate in the upcoming Bangkok Challenge 2024,” said Robert “Bobby” Ortiz, coordinator of F1 in Schools Thailand. “Our students are currently undergoing intensive training and coaching, developing their miniature, pneumatically powered race cars from F1 model building blocks. They are supported by our hands-on and comprehensive approach, which covers everything from practical exercises and 3D design to manufacturing, providing them with a unique and formative experience.”

Regarding the Aramco F1 in Schools World Final 2024, which will be held for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in November 2024, up to four teams from Thailand have confirmed their participation: Phayu Racing, Intanin Racing, Team Vega, and Agilas Team. Formula 1 races are currently held in 22 countries worldwide. Aramco, headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, has supported F1 in Schools since signing its sponsorship agreement in 2020.

Since 2017, a total of 16 teams from Thailand have participated in the F1 in Schools World Final and received eight major awards, including first place in the knockout round for the Kinnaree Racing Team in 2023.

In 2023, a total of 367 students from 33 nations participated in the Aramco F1 in Schools World Final in Singapore, the largest event of its kind ever held. This record number reflects the ever-growing global reach of the competition.

There are many success stories of former participants of the F1 in Schools program who have achieved significant results in their lives, including positions in Formula 1 teams such as the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team, Mercedes AMG HPP and the McLaren Formula 1 Team.

Mr. Ortiz added that F1 in Schools Thailand serves as a bridge between academia and industry, fostering collaboration between educational institutions, corporate partners, and government agencies. Thanks to strategic partnerships, such as with Cambridge-based Summatic, learners of all ages can now access the F1 in Schools Thailand competition and academic program anytime, anywhere, on any device. Summatic provides learners with high-quality, personalized learning support, ensuring they are well-prepared for the racetrack and the exam upon completion of the program.

F1 in Schools, the official education initiative of Formula 1, is a globally recognized STEM learning program that inspires young minds, from the age of five, to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology.

With its deep roots in Formula 1, the world's most prestigious motorsport series, F1 in Schools Thailand offers students a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of high-speed racing while improving their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills.

They learn the craft in workshops, mentoring programs, and networking events, gaining insights into the world of motorsport and making contacts that can shape their careers. Students can register for such workshops and training sessions either on-site or online through the F1 in Schools Thailand competence centers in Bangkok. One popular center is located in the Knowledge Exchange Tower in Sathorn. “Participants not only develop technical skills such as modeling (using CAD/CAM software), aerodynamics, and manufacturing, but also acquire important soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership,” explained Mr. Bobby.

F1 in Schools is a non-profit organization founded in partnership with dedicated partners to provide an educational experience through the captivating appeal of Formula 1.

Founded 24 years ago in England, the F1 in Schools program is represented in 60 countries worldwide, from Australia to China, Singapore, Kuwait, South Africa and the USA to Mexico.

F1 in Schools is not just an extracurricular educational activity, but involves a global, cross-curricular challenge where teams of pupils aged 9 to 19 use CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyze, manufacture, test and then race miniature compressed air cars made from F1 model blocks.

"The competition is also an integral part of the educational process and a platform that promotes creativity, critical thinking and teamwork among the students," remarked Mr. Bobby.

“To meet the increasing number of students enrolling in our courses and to address the growing interest in F1 in Schools and its enormous social potential in Thailand, we will open more F1 in Schools Thailand Centres of Excellence by 2024,” Mr. Bobby added.

In summary, F1 in Schools Thailand plays a crucial role in shaping the future of motorsport in the country and beyond, embodying the convergence of education, innovation and motorsport excellence.

About 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. & Kaew Chakraphad Foundation: Based in Bangkok, Thailand, 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. is a leading education company dedicated to promoting innovation and excellence in education. As an official program partner of F1 in Schools, the company provides students with unique opportunities for hands-on, STEM-based learning that ignites their passion and lays the foundation for future success. Founded with the goal of transforming education through dynamic and interactive programs, 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. utilizes state-of-the-art educational methods and resources to empower students throughout Thailand. The exclusive partnership with F1 in Schools underscores the company's commitment to promoting STEM education and preparing students for the challenges of the future. 1 Action Education offers a comprehensive range of educational programs and services designed to enhance learning and foster creativity. By integrating real-world applications and collaborative projects, the company supports students in developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills and teamwork – skills that are essential for success in the 21st century.

About F1 in Schools: F1 in Schools is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. The global competition allows students aged 9 to 19 to take part in an interdisciplinary challenge. Using professional CAD (computer-aided design) software, they design, analyze, manufacture, test, and race miniature, air-powered Formula 1 race cars. Many of these students have gone on to have successful Formula 1 careers thanks to their success in F1 in Schools.