F1 in Schools
| F1 in Schools | |
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| Date Founded: | 1999 |
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| Founder: | Andrew Denford |
| Age Range: | 11-19 |
F1 in Schools is an international STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) competition for school children (aged 11–16), in which groups of 3–6 students have to design and manufacture a miniature "car" out of the official F1 Model Block using CAD/CAM design tools. The cars are powered by CO2 cartridges and are attached to a track by a nylon wire. They are timed from the moment they are launched to when they pass the finish line by a computer.
The cars have to follow specific guidelines (e.g. the wheels of the car must be in contact with the track at all times). The cars are raced on a 20m long track with two lanes, to allow two cars to be raced simultaneously. Software called F1 Virtual Wind Tunnel was designed specifically for the challenge. F1 Virtual Wind Tunnel or F1 VWT uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate air resistance on the "cars" made in the CAD.
The competition is currently operational in over 40 different countries. The competition was first introduced in the UK in 1999. The competition's aim was and still is, to introduce younger people to engineering in a more fun environment. The competition is held annually, with Regional and National Finals. The overall winners of the National Finals are invited to compete at the World Finals, which are held at a different location each year, usually held in conjunction with a Formula One Grand Prix. In the UK competition; there are 3 classes of entry. Formula One Class aimed at 11-to-19 year olds, Rookie Class aimed at 11-to-15 year olds from new schools and The Jaguar Primary School Challenge aimed at 5-to-11 year olds.
The current F1 in Schools World Champions (as of 2016) are Infinite Racing, Greece. Union Racing International were the first team to beat the one second barrier and set a new World Record at the World Finals 2015 in Singapore of 0.977 seconds. However, one year later Infinitude from Australia broke the world record with a time of 0.916. The other teams to have broken the 1 second barrier were Infinite Racing from Greece, Fast Payce from Australia and Aeolus Racing from Greece. The unofficial world record (as it was not set at the World Finals) belongs to White Squall Racing from Greece with a time of 0.864 during the 2016 Greek National Finals.
Specification judging Specification judging is a detailed inspection process where the race car is assessed for compliance with the F1 in Schools Technical Regulations. Scrutineering is conducted within the confines of parc fermé where judges use a series of specially manufactured gauges and accurate measuring tools to check the car's compliance.
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