Three UAE-based schools competed in the recently-concluded F1 in Schools World Finals at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi.
And although they missed out on claiming the top prize, students from Fusion F1 (Dubai College), Safire Racing (German International School, Dubai) and Project Speed (Repton College) spoke glowingly of the experience.
More than 200 students from 38 teams around the world descended on Ferrari World as teams designed and raced their specially built F1 cars of the future, powered by compressed air cylinders.
The aim of the competition was to get students interested in science, technology, engineering and maths along with developing an interest in F1.
The finalists demonstrated their communication, team-building and presentation skills in front of judges, who analysed their marketing and business plans.
“The whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable,” said Arjun Dave, co-team manager of Fusion F1, which won the Best International Collaboration Team Award.
“We all found the overall competition to be quite hard.
"It was quite challenging but it was totally worth the effort.
“It felt great to win the award and I am proud of my team.
"Whatever career my team-mates adopt, this experience will help us all.”
Project Speed were rewarded with their efforts with the Team Unity Award – quite impressive given they were the youngest students, all aged just 12 years old.
The team’s teacher, Jonathan Wyn-Roberts, said: “It’s a great programme for the students that involves science, maths, business and marketing.
"So for them to do this when they’re 12 years old can only be a good thing.
“It’s endorsed by the Formula One which will get them interested in the sport and I hope the students have gained a lot from these three days.”
For Dalia Abdelrahman of Safire Racing, the 17 year old is now focused on building a successful career in Formula One.
Abdelrahman said: “I learned that you shouldn’t give up on anything that you do.
"When I got to know more about the competition and be part of it, I started to like F1 itself. After I finish studying marketing, I would like to go into a career in F1.”
