Formula 1 Details Milestone Social Reach in Landmark Report
Formula 1 has officially published its first sport-wide Social Impact Report, detailing the reach of collaborative initiatives undertaken across the global championship. The findings reveal that over half a million young people around the world benefited from F1 programmes last year, opening educational, technical, and professional pathways into motorsport. Spanning participants across 71 countries, the collective efforts during 2025 were aimed at breaking down traditional entry barriers and bringing the next generation closer to the grid.
For the first time, community-focused contributions from Formula 1 management, governing body the FIA, all 10 competing teams, and 24 race promoters were tracked and consolidated into a unified audit. The report is anchored in recommendations originating from The Hamilton Commission, an initiative established in 2021 by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering to address underrepresentation in UK motorsport.
Formula 1 has an extraordinary power to inspire, and we want everyone to believe there is a place for them in our sport,
said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. We are turning our commitments into action, working across motorsport to break down barriers and widen access for future generations. We are proud of the progress made and grateful for the collective efforts of Lewis Hamilton, the Hamilton Commission, the FIA, our teams, race promoters, partners and the many organisations helping to create lasting change.
Domenicali added: By renewing the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship for a further three academic years and investing in young people and communities, we will open more doors, nurture talent and inspire the next generation to believe that a future in Formula 1 is within their reach.
Engineering Scholarship Receives Multi-Million Pound Extension
Coinciding with the report’s release, Formula 1 confirmed the continuation of its flagship Engineering Scholarship programme. Established in 2021 to alleviate accessibility and financial obstacles for individuals pursuing technical higher education, the programme has already assisted 48 undergraduates. The new extension guarantees more than £2.4 million in total funding across three additional academic cycles.
The scholarship will provide full tuition fees and comprehensive living allowances for 10 new scholars annually between the 2026/27 and 2028/29 academic years. Beneficiaries will complete their studies across five premier institutions: the University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna (MUNER) in Italy.
Grassroots Participation and Diversity Benchmarks
The comprehensive review detailed a broad spectrum of educational and community projects operating under the championship’s umbrella. Among the key performance figures documented:
- More than 500,000 young people reached globally via educational outreach, STEM platforms, and inspiration programmes.
- 100 percent of signatories to the Diversity and Inclusion Charter actively delivering localized social impact projects.
- Over 1,000 skills and talent development placements spotlighting opportunities in motorsport and allied engineering sectors.
- Annual participation from over 29,000 schools across the globe in the STEM Racing global education competition.
- Involvement of over 700 schools in the UK, South Africa, India, and Brazil via the British Council’s Learning Sectors education programme.
- Direct engagement of more than 2,500 young people during on-site activities held across Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends.
- Delivery of 50-plus wishes facilitated in partnership with Make-A-Wish, alongside 140 young people attending dedicated F1 Academy workshops.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reinforced the governing body’s alignment with the initiatives, stating: Motorsport has the power to transform lives and we have a responsibility to ensure its benefits reach beyond the racetrack.
This report demonstrates the strength of collaboration across our community in reaching more than 500,000 young people worldwide,
Ben Sulayem continued. Together, we are breaking down barriers, developing future talent and creating new pathways into our sport. I welcome the continued investment in education and scholarships as we work to make motorsport more accessible and deliver a lasting legacy.
Why This Matters
Historically, elite motorsport has contended with perceptions of being an insular, high-cost industry with significant socio-economic barriers to entry. By formally compiling and publishing an overarching Social Impact Report, Formula 1 and the FIA have established a measurable baseline to evaluate their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. Sustained investments—such as the renewed £2.4 million scholarship fund alongside worldwide grassroots STEM competitions—indicate an industry-wide transition toward building an accessible, sustainable talent pipeline that pulls engineering and operational personnel from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship programme?
Launched in 2021, the Engineering Scholarship programme provides financial and educational support to students from underrepresented backgrounds facing key barriers to higher education. The newly renewed commitment covers full tuition fees and living costs for 10 new scholars each year from 2026/27 to 2028/29 across five partner universities in the UK and Italy.
How does The Hamilton Commission influence F1’s social programs?
Formed in 2021 by Lewis Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering, The Hamilton Commission investigated the barriers facing Black people within UK motorsport. The newly published Social Impact Report follows the Commission’s recommendations by systematically monitoring diversity initiatives, expanding STEM access, and coordinating social responsibility projects across all 10 F1 teams, race promoters, and governing bodies.
