Young Students Build and Race Their Own Mini Formula 1 Cars

About 200 children aged nine to 11 have designed, built and raced miniature Formula 1 cars in a new primary school initiative led by STEM Racing UK and Digital Jersey.

The 3D-printed cars sped along a 20m track at the Royal Jersey Showground, powered by compressed air canisters activated by each team’s driver.

Pupils took on roles including engineer, designer and team leader, developing science, maths and business skills along the way. Judges assessed entries not only on speed, but also on branding, teamwork and presentation.

Ten-year-old Jojo from FCJ Primary School said leading her team meant bringing everyone together and making decisions.

“I’ve learnt that nothing needs to be perfect — except maybe aerodynamics,” she said.

Henry, 11, from St Peter’s Primary School, described race day as “really exciting and fun”. As his team’s driver, he admitted feeling nervous before pressing the launch button, but said he had learnt valuable lessons about science and teamwork.

The competition followed five months of preparation, including after-school sessions and step-by-step design tutorials. While STEM Racing UK first worked with Jersey secondary schools in 2024, this marked the programme’s debut in primary classrooms.

Tony Moretta, chief executive of Digital Jersey, said the enthusiasm from pupils and families showed the importance of introducing children to technology and business skills early.

He added that initiatives like this help young people prepare for a fast-changing jobs market, combining technical learning with creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. Following the event’s success, organisers said they hope to repeat it next year.