Students from across Jersey’s secondary schools shone at Wednesday’s STEM Racing competition, with teams from Victoria College, Beaulieu Convent School and Jersey College for Girls securing the top positions and earning their place at the STEM Racing UK National Finals 2026.
Supported by Formula 1, the competition saw students race miniature F1 cars they had designed and manufactured, launching them down a 20-metre track using compressed air. Teams were challenged to optimise aerodynamic performance and comply with detailed technical regulations, mirroring real FIA scrutineering processes.
In addition to engineering their cars, students presented wider project work, including Enterprise portfolios detailing sponsorship initiatives, Project Management frameworks, brand identity development, and custom-built pit display stands.
The event was divided into two classes, Professional and Development, each offering a different level of technical and project complexity. This structure enables students to build foundational engineering and portfolio skills before advancing to the more demanding standards of the Professional Class.
Teams progressing to the STEM Racing UK National Finals 2026
Professional Class
- Regional Champions: Vanguard, Victoria College
- 2nd Place: Ekleipsis, Beaulieu Convent School
Development Class
- Regional Champions: Aquila, Jersey College for Girls
- 2nd Place: Mach 4, Jersey College for Girls
The National Finals will take place in March at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Sheffield, where Jersey’s teams will compete against schools from across the UK for a chance to qualify for the prestigious Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2026, to be held at an international Formula 1 Grand Prix location yet to be announced.
Wider Awards
A 12-member judging panel representing sectors including sustainability, finance and technology assessed teams across five key categories: Engineering, Enterprise, Project Management, Brand Identity and Verbal Presentation.
Each winning team received a bespoke award manufactured by The Engineering Centre, led by Calderdale College in West Yorkshire, using materials donated by CERATZIT, a STEM Racing UK sponsor.
F1 Team Support
Students also had the opportunity to meet Formula 1 industry professionals, including:
- Tom Garfield-Bennet: Victoria College alumnus and Engineering Coordination Team Lead at Oracle Red Bull Racing
- Pascal Dumont: Elizabeth College alumnus and Reliability Engineer at McLaren Racing
Both served as judges, offering invaluable insight into the engineering and design expertise required in elite motorsport.
As a special highlight, Max Verstappen’s Formula One World Drivers’ Championship race suit and helmet were displayed at the event, inspiring students aiming to pursue future careers in Formula 1 and STEM industries.
Future Expansion
STEM Racing launched in Jersey in 2024 and continues to grow rapidly. In 2026, Digital Jersey host a Primary Class event, enabling students aged 9–11 to participate for the first time.
Tom Milner, Project Director, STEM Racing UK, said: “We were incredibly impressed with the level of skill on show at the event; the competition has only been present in Jersey for 24 months and we’ve seen teams progress in skill and knowledge in leaps and bounds. Each and every student should be proud of their achievements, and we are looking forward to seeing our national finalists in March where I’m sure they’ll once again be brilliant.”
Tony Moretta, CEO, Digital Jersey, continued: “Seeing STEM Racing come to life in Jersey for a second year has been fantastic. Our team worked hard to bring this global initiative to the Island and support our schools every step of the way, and the students rose to the challenge brilliantly. Their energy, creativity and professionalism were inspiring to watch.
“This programme gives young people real engineering and business skills, and it’s exciting to see former Jersey students now working in Formula 1 return to judge the next generation. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud.”
