University of Warwick and Maaden Set to Inspire a Generation of Engineers
Students designing and building miniature F1® cars at the event
The University of Warwick has been named Motorsport Valley's first STEM Racing Centre of Excellence in a new partnership with STEM Racing, Maaden and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, announced at the Aston Martin Technology Campus (AMRTC) on 1 July.
Opening in the upcoming academic year, the Centre of Excellence will serve as an open-access engineering hub, providing neighbouring schools and students with opportunities to develop practical skills in computer-aided design (CAD), CNC machining and aerodynamic testing using industry-standard equipment. Supported by the University of Warwick's engineering expertise, students will receive hands-on guidance and mentoring, building the confidence and skills needed for future careers in engineering.
James Meredith of University of Warwick taking part in a panel discussion alongside Bob Wilt of Maaden, Pedro de la Rosa of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team and Anabelle Denford of STEM Racing
The South East Midlands is home to Motorsport Valley, the global epicentre of Formula 1®, where seven of the sport's eleven current teams are based. As demand for engineering and technical skills continues to grow across the region, the Centre will help strengthen the future talent pipeline by inspiring more young people to pursue careers in motorsport, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Powered by Maaden, the Centre forms part of the company's multi-year youth development programme with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team. Through STEM Racing, students will gain hands-on engineering experience and mentorship, creating clear pathways into careers in engineering, technology and advanced manufacturing.
Ahead of the British Grand Prix, more than 80 students from eight local schools visited the Aston Martin Technology Campus for a day of immersive STEM learning. Through hands-on STEM Racing activities and an exclusive campus tour, they explored Formula 1 engineering and the careers it can inspire. The event marked the start of their STEM Racing journey, with the University of Warwick's Centre of Excellence providing a place to continue developing their engineering skills.
All eighty students at the STEM Racing Centre of Excellence Silverstone Experience Day – Powered by Maaden
The launch event was attended by leaders from education, industry and motorsport, including Maaden CEO Bob Wilt, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, STEM Racing founder Andrew Denford and representatives from the University of Warwick.
The event also showcased the partners' wider commitment to expanding access to STEM education through STEM Racing Learn, a new online learning platform launching in October 2026. Featuring educational videos, classroom resources and content presented by industry experts, the platform will complement the Centre of Excellence by extending high-quality STEM learning beyond the classroom for students and teachers around the world.
James Meredith speaking at the event and students putting cars to the test on the racetrack, similar to the one which will be installed at the University of Warwick
Anabelle Denford, Partnerships Director at STEM Racing, commented:
"Twenty-six years ago, we founded STEM Racing to make engineering exciting, accessible and rooted in real-world experience by challenging young people to design, manufacture and race their own miniature F1 car.
Today, we're taking that vision even further, bringing together Maaden, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team and the University of Warwick to connect young people with world-class industry, elite motorsport and leading engineering education.
The Centre of Excellence will give students the facilities, expertise and hands-on experience to build confidence, develop practical engineering skills and explore where those skills could take them. We're giving young people the confidence to believe they belong in engineering and the opportunity to take that first step."
Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor and President, University of Warwick, said:
"This ambitious partnership showcases the University of Warwick’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians. Through this Centre of Excellence, we are strengthening pathways into STEM careers and equipping young people with the skills, confidence and hands-on experience they need to shape the future of engineering. The University has a rich history of engineering expertise, which we are proud to pass onto the next generation.”