b'DRIVING INNOVATIONComputing Trip to F1 Williams RacingOn Friday 8th November, we had theSilverstone, Brazil, and the famed streets exceptional opportunity to explore theof Monacowe felt the thrill of the sport world of science, technology, engineeringfirsthand. During each race, we experienced and mathematics at Williams F1 HQ inhow telemetry data is captured in real time Oxfordshire. This STEM-focused visit offeredthrough computer software, to monitor driver hands-on insight into the intricate aspects ofperformance and enhance decision-making science and technology driving the successon the track.After four intense races, I was of one of Formula 1s most iconic teams.thrilled to emerge victorious in Monaco, the From the welcome session to the engineeringhighlight of my day!workshop, the experience was nothing shortThe pinnacle of our day finally came with of inspiring. the materials workshop, where we formed Our day began with a warm welcome, whereF1 teams to design and construct our very each of us received a Williams favour bagown nose cones and crumple zones. We containing a branded water bottle, pen,also explored how computer-assisted design and other essentials. After an overview of(CAD) and simulation software are used in the agenda and a briefing, we entered thethe real F1 design process to test materials world-renowned Williams F1 museum. Here,and optimise aerodynamics. This workshop we were transported through decades ofallowed us to directly apply the principles racing history and innovation. Guided byof engineering and physics we had learnt, knowledgeable staff, we delved into thebefore presenting our finished designs to be physics and aerodynamics that have definedevaluated.Williams F1s cars over the years, as well asThe day was a powerful reminder of the the teams impressive record of titles andinnovation, precision, and teamwork that achievements. It was interesting to see howfuels success in Formula 1. Our thanks advanced data processing and predictivego to Williams for an unforgettable STEM computer science models play a vital role inexperience that expanded our knowledge optimising the cars performance. and ignited our enthusiasm for the many The excitement continued in the Esportscareer pathways within motorsport and Lounge, where we had the rare opportunitycomputer science.to experience an official F1 race simulator.Hamza Dahya, Year 13Competing on iconic tracksLas Vegas, 38'