IT was lights out for Worcester’s crop of future Max Verstappens as a talented group of city students were just pipped to the post after racing through to the national final of the F1 in Schools Professional Class.
The five bright sparks, all Year 10 pupils at The King’s School Worcester, entered the major motorsport design competition under the ‘Prism Racing’ banner.
The team’s F1 scale car burned past its rivals at the regional heat to qualify in pole position for the national final at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham last week.
Unfortunately, they fell just short in their high-octane bid to win the national race, running out of gas as they attempted to take the chequered flag.
The team were racing to receive a full scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering at Aston University.
That honour went to Leaf1, from The Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury, who raced home in first.
Teams were scored on the speed of their cars in drag races as well as their project management, branding and marketing campaigns.
Team member Aron Gijsel, aged 14, said the experience was ‘truly invaluable’.
“The competition provided a fantastic learning opportunity, and we gained a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly help us in the near future.
“The entire journey from the regional champions to the national stage was an unforgettable experience for our team.
“As we reflect on our time at the nationals, we are filled with motivation and determination to come back stronger next year.
“We are committed to applying the lessons learned and honing our skills to hopefully make it to the podium in next season’s competition.”
Aron produced a website and newsletters as well as secured sponsorship for the team.
