For the first time ever, an F1 in Schools team from Newington won a place to compete in the World Finals. After months of preparation and endless deliberation over the design of their car, the six boys who make up Team Quantum were accompanied by two teachers to further their campaign in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Team Quantum was one of the few teams representing Australia in the 10th Annual event after winning first place in the Development category at the National F1 in Schools Finals. In order to compete against the pros, Quantum paired up with a Scottish team made up of four girls earlier in the year to form team   ‘Impact’.

With 37  teams from 24 countries vying for the Bernie Ecclestone Trophy and a scholarship to the University College of London, it was a tough competition. Impact finished 18th overall and despite the somewhat disappointing result, the team were not unhappy with the outcome. The experience itself was absolutely incredible.

While in the UAE, the boys also toured some landmarks including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the city of Dubai, and the 2014 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. F1 in Schools has always been a great experience for everyone involved, but this year in particular taught the boys skills that were beyond what could ever have been covered in normal classes at school.

Sebastian Hodge (9/ME)
Impact Team Member