Shropshire pupils are being urged to emulate Lewis Hamilton and his Formula One (F1) competitors by taking part in an international STEM challenge.

A call has gone out for 12 local schools to enter the next ‘F1 in Schools’ competition, which requires young people to build, promote and race their own purpose-built cars.

Teams of six pupils — from years 10 to 13 — can enter, and they will be supported by the Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology (MCMT) and the STEM Workshop.

The two organisations have joined forces to ensure that Shropshire has the strongest-possible entries, and they will hold a launch event on 6 December at the MCMT training facility in Bridgnorth.

Amy Farley, ESF Growth for Skills compliance manager at MCMT, said: “F1 in Schools is a great way of getting pupils involved in STEM-related subjects, especially engineering and manufacturing. This is just the start.

In addition to building a car that is powered by a CO₂ cannister and can complete the 22m track, they will be encouraged to look at how to market and promote their designs and racing team.

“Shropshire was the home of the industrial revolution, and we’d love to make a real impact in this competition, which is run on a regional, national and international stage.

“We have joined forces with STEM Workshop and local businesses — including MyWorkwear — to come up with a way to provide assistance and facilities to help our teams develop the best possible car.”

The F1 in Schools Regional Finals will be held in January 2021 at MCMT (www.mcmt.co.uk), followed by the National and International finals later that year.

The entry fee is £75 plus VAT per team. Schools and businesses interested in taking part can e-mail / or telephone 01746 802079.