In F1, precision is everything. But behind every tenth gained is a person; focused, curious, and always learning. It’s a thirst for knowledge that drives progress, and this Mexico City Grand Prix week we’ve been cultivating that with Valvoline as we took F1 to local students to mark the launch of the Aspiring Mechanics Programme.
Every great career starts with a single spark. A moment of curiosity, a chance to learn. Through the Valvoline Aspiring Mechanics Programme, we’re supporting the future of mechanics.
The Aspiring Mechanics Programme aims to remove entry barriers and open doors for the next generation of automotive mechanics with a $1 million (USD) investment to support an estimated 10,000 aspiring professionals worldwide through hands-on learning, training, scholarships, and local engagement programmes.
Together with Valvoline, we’re empowering this new generation to turn potential into performance, starting with a trackside launch at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
We visited La Escuela Mexicana de Electricidad (EME) as students learned what it takes to get into the sport.
They heard from Aston Martin Aramco Head of E-sports, Miguel Faísca, whose passion for racing led him to study Mechanical Engineering in Portugal, before he went on to win the 2013 GT Academy e-sports competition – setting him on the path to working in F1.
His illuminating seminar discussed the benefits of engineering, and the vital skill of paying attention to the small details, as well as highlighting the lack of mechanical engineers in Mexico currently and how important the next generation of mechanics is.
Then it was time to get hands-on. The students were shown an array of F1 car parts and Technical Drawings, seeing in granular detail the pinpoint craftsmanship that powers our team. They were able to explore every millimetre of each carefully designed component, before asking any questions about the specific role it plays in helping our car travel at more than 300 km/h.
The students who have received scholarships through the Aspiring Mechanics Programme also joined our team trackside, going behind-the-scenes to tour our garage and meet our mechanics at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. They witnessed first-hand how innovation and precision drive performance at the highest level of racing, immersing themselves in the world of an F1 mechanic and seeing exactly where their careers could take them one day.
Reflecting on the experience, students Ana, 23, and Joshua, 28, offered their thoughts and aspirations.
“Women are not really represented in this field, but this programme is something important. It is something that helps bridge the gap,” said Ana.
While Joshua shared his passion for mechanical engineering: “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved to know how things work, to know how engines work. It’s always been my dream to be able to repair engines.”
Perhaps, one day, both will be in the F1 pit lane permanently.
I / AM
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