Pioneering motorsport scholarships programme backed by Sir Lewis Hamilton to be expanded

An MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme to increase diversity in motorsport engineering, backed by Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE HonFREng and run by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is being relaunched in a new and expanded form. The new programme will have more scholarships of up to £43,000, target a wider range of candidates and will be supported by two additional delivery partners. Following the recommendation from The Hamilton Commission, set up by Sir Lewis Hamilton to investigate the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport and the STEM sector, the Royal Academy of Engineering launched a two-year pilot programme in June 2022. Funded by Sir Lewis’s charitable foundation Mission 44, the pilot programme provided financial and career support to two cohorts of young engineering graduates from a Black or mixed Black ethnic background undertaking a Master’s degree in motorsport or engineering discipline. Of the 13 people awarded scholarships during the pilot – five in the first cohort in the 2023–24 academic year and eight in the following academic year – five are now working in Formula 1 teams, two in the motorsport sector, and one in engineering more broadly. Following an evaluation of the pilot in 2025, the new programme opens on 23 January 2026 with expanded eligibility criteria and more scholarships on offer in this round than before. The Masters in Motorsport Scholarships will open for applications on 23 January 2026 and close on 4 May 2026. Apply now for the MSc Motorsport Scholarship. Applications close at 4pm on Wednesday 6th May. Learn more about the programme by registering for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s support webinar and Q&A here.

OTHER CASE studies

Case Study: Asya

My interest in motorsport was sparked after I watched my first F1 race back in 2021 during lockdown. I had always been interested in sport science and sport psychology, but it was then when I decided I wanted to do it in the motorsport industry. I knew getting into the world of motorsport ran on a who you know not what you know basis, so after entering sixth form in year 12, I talked to my school’s career team if they might be able to help me find companies or people in the industry to start my motorsport journey and grow my experience. I found out my school was partnered with Motorsport UK and the Race for Diversity team, along with many other schools across the UK. From there I joined the Discord community, met with Evelkah Powell (Race for Diversity Manager) and was instantly thrust into a whole variety of networking events, volunteering opportunities, and eye-opening experiences. The last two months were particularly busy with events for the Race for Diversity community. It started with an invite to No. 10 Downing Street to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 where, after a speech from the prime minister on the importance of motorsport for the UK’s culture and economy, I had the opportunity to meet and converse with industry professionals and motorsport legends such as Sir Jackie Stuart and Susie Wolff. I then got the opportunity to go to the Festival of Speed through the Race for Diversity Schools programme. It involved a guided tour around the FOS Future Lab by Matt Green, where we explored different STEM exhibits and interactive experiences. We then attended to a talk at the Lotus lab, where we invited to take a closer look at their concept car and its hidden features. The most recent opportunity involved an entire weekend of volunteering at Formula E. On the Friday I attended the Inspiration Hour where I tried sim racing, listened to a talk from industry professionals on what a career path could look like, and finally a pitlane walk where I saw the cars closeup and watch the teams in action. On the Saturday I volunteered at the Race for Diversity stand in the fan zone area. We aimed to share the goal of Race for Diversity, encourage those interested in a career in motorsport to sign up to the Discord community and other opportunities such as the Girls Karting Academy. Joining the Race for Diversity community has been one of the greatest decisions I have made in terms of taking steps towards my dream career and given me opportunities I would never have even dreamed of back in 2022. My current goals are to keep on finding and taking any opportunities that come my way, so I can meet more brilliant people who work in the industry.

Case Study: Cavern

Volunteering for Motorsport UK's Race for Diversity scheme has been an incredibly rewarding experience in my career in motorsport. I’ve had the chance to work directly with students from a wide range of backgrounds, introducing them to the opportunities, sciences and technologies and also, the business and finances that underpin motorsport. Seeing their curiosity spark—whether through a hands-on activity or a simple conversation—reminds me why representation and accessibility matter so much. For me, inclusion isn’t just a concept; it’s about making sure every student feels they belong. I’ve met young people who had never imagined themselves in motorsport and or had no idea of how to pursue a career within it, and what opportunities are available to them; but watched their eyes open and excitement build. That shift in perspective is powerful. The scheme has also given me opportunities to connect with a network of passionate people—fellow volunteers, industry professionals, and educators—all committed to making STEM and motorsport more diverse and welcoming. Those connections have been as inspiring as the work itself, and they’ve shown me how much change is possible when we work together.

Race for Diversity at Goodwood Festival of Speed

This year, Race for Diversity students were once again invited to experience the energy and innovation of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event offered a unique opportunity to explore the world of motorsport and the wider automotive industry up close, igniting curiosity and ambition in the next generation of diverse talent. A highlight of the visit was time spent in the Future Lab, where students explored cutting-edge technologies and global innovations that are set to shape the future. With expert guidance from STEM influencer Matt Green, they gained valuable insight into the science and creativity behind emerging advancements, helping them to better understand the connection between education and real-world application. Later in the day, students were welcomed by Lotus for a special panel session featuring professionals from across the business. The panel sent a powerful message: that there is space in motorsport and automotive fields for everyone, and that with passion and determination, our students can one day take their place in these exciting industries. Following the panel, students had the opportunity to speak with professionals one-on-one and were given exclusive access to sit in one-of-a-kind prototype cars—an experience that sparked inspiration and a sense of possibility. Throughout the day, students continued to explore the vast Goodwood site, connecting with a range of organisations and industry teams. A surprise encounter with Red Arrow pilots was another memorable moment, adding to an already unforgettable experience. Race for Diversity extends a heartfelt thank you to the team at Goodwood Festival of Speed for once again creating a space where our students feel inspired, valued, and empowered to imagine their future in the world of motorsport.