Formula 1 Unveils Inaugural Social Impact Report, Renews Engineering Scholarship

Formula 1 has released its groundbreaking Social Impact Report, revealing that more than 500,000 young individuals worldwide benefited from its initiatives in the past year. These programs, active across 71 countries, aim to educate, inspire, and create pathways into the sport. In parallel, F1 has extended its well-regarded Engineering Scholarship program, established in 2021, for an additional three academic years. This extension includes a substantial funding commitment exceeding £2.4 million, specifically designed to support students who face significant obstacles, such as financial hardship or accessibility issues, in pursuing higher education. So far, the scholarship has already provided crucial support to 48 students, demonstrating its tangible impact on aspiring engineers.

The renewed scholarship program will provide comprehensive financial support, covering full tuition fees and living expenses, for ten new scholars each year from the 2026/27 to the 2028/29 academic years. Prestigious institutions participating in this initiative include the University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and MUNER in Italy, ensuring that recipients have access to top-tier engineering education.

This inaugural report marks a significant milestone, as it consolidates the collective social contributions of Formula 1, its governing body the FIA, all ten F1 teams, and 24 race promoters throughout the 2025 season. This comprehensive compilation aligns with the recommendations put forth by The Hamilton Commission, an initiative launched in 2021 by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in collaboration with the Royal Engineering Academy, underscoring a commitment to diversity and inclusion within motorsport. Key achievements highlighted in the report include engaging over 500,000 young people in education and STEM programs, achieving 100% participation from Diversity and Inclusion Charter signatories in social impact initiatives, creating over 1,000 skills development opportunities, and involving 29,000 schools in the annual STEM Racing global education program.

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, emphasized the sport's powerful ability to inspire, stating a commitment to ensuring everyone believes they have a place within motorsport. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to remove barriers and broaden access for future generations, expressing pride in the progress made and gratitude for the collaborative work of Lewis Hamilton, The Hamilton Commission, the FIA, teams, promoters, and partners. Domenicali affirmed that the renewal of the Engineering Scholarship and continued investment in youth and communities will create more opportunities, foster talent, and encourage the next generation to see a future in Formula 1 as an achievable goal.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed these sentiments, asserting that motorsport possesses the power to transform lives and carries a responsibility to extend its benefits beyond the race track. He praised the report as a testament to the community's collaborative strength in reaching more than 500,000 young people globally. Ben Sulayem reiterated the commitment to dismantling barriers, developing future talent, and establishing new avenues into the sport, welcoming the sustained investment in education and scholarships to enhance motorsport's accessibility and create a lasting legacy.