Formula 1 Unveils Social Impact Report and Extends Engineering Scholarship Funding
Formula 1 has released its first Social Impact Report alongside a renewed commitment to its Engineering Scholarship Programme. The initiative aims to continue breaking barriers and expanding access to motorsport education for underrepresented groups.
Formula 1 has taken a significant step in its journey towards greater inclusivity and access within the sport by publishing its inaugural Social Impact Report. Alongside this report, the organization has announced a £2.4 million investment to extend the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship Programme through the 2028/29 academic year. This scholarship initiative, originally launched in 2021, has already supported 48 students from underrepresented backgrounds by covering full tuition and living costs, providing them with unique opportunities to engage deeply with the sport.
The Social Impact Report highlights that in 2025 alone, over half a million young people from 71 countries accessed programs aimed at education and inspiration through Formula 1. These initiatives are designed to break down barriers and open pathways into the world of motorsport.
Ten new scholars will join the programme each year from 2026/27 to 2028/29, with placements at prestigious institutions such as the University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and MUNER in Italy. These students will not only receive an education but also gain exposure to cutting-edge technology and the inner workings of Formula 1 through placements with F1 teams and visits to the Formula 1 Media and Technology Centre.
The report consolidates the collective efforts of Formula 1, the FIA, all 10 teams, and 24 race promoters throughout the 2025 season. It builds on the recommendations from The Hamilton Commission, spearheaded by Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering, and follows the 2024 introduction of the sport's first Diversity and Inclusion Charter. Notably, the newly entered Cadillac F1 Team signed this charter in 2026.
Key achievements from 2025 include:
- Over 500,000 young people engaged through global education, STEM, and inspiration programmes. - All signatories of the Diversity and Inclusion Charter actively delivering social impact initiatives. - More than 1,000 opportunities for skills and talent development in motorsport and related fields. - Continuation of the Engineering Scholarship with funding to support 10 new students annually. - Participation of 29,000+ schools in the STEM Racing global education initiative. - 700+ schools in the UK, South Africa, India, and Brazil involved in the British Council's Learning Sectors programme. - €100,000 in donations to four organisations through the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award. - Over 2,500 young people participating in Formula 1 event activities. - 50+ wishes fulfilled through the Make-A-Wish partnership. - 140 young people attended F1 Academy workshops.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, emphasized the sport's commitment to inspiring future generations and fostering talent across diverse backgrounds. "We are turning our commitments into action, working across motorsport to break down barriers and widen access for future generations," Domenicali stated.
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, noted the growing global ambition to create positive change that extends beyond the racetrack. "This report provides, for the first time, a collective view of the impact programmes being delivered across the sport and the difference they are making in communities globally," she said.
Formula 1 plans to expand these programmes, strengthening governance, measurement, and reporting to maximize the long-term value of their social impact initiatives. As they continue to progress, the aim is to inspire more young people and provide them with the skills and confidence needed to explore careers in engineering and motorsport.