On Tuesday, fifteen Upper Sixth students with ambitions in engineering and physics took part in an A-level Physics Enrichment trip to the award-winning McLaren Technology Centre in Woking.
The visit was designed to enrich and inspire our future engineers by giving them first-hand insight into Formula 1. Students met three former Hurst pupils, Bella Shepard, Michael Miskin, and Jemma Murphy, who now work at McLaren. They spoke about their career paths, and shared advice on routes into motorsport engineering. Meeting these OJs made a strong impression on the group, and one student, Amelie B, commented that seeing women working in a Formula 1 team “made me feel like it was also a possibility for me to achieve!”
Students explored how aerodynamic systems on a Formula 1 car work, including air intakes and the function of the front wing. They also learned how designs have changed over time, with substantial differences between cars from the 2000s and today, illustrating the impact of new research and advances in engineering.
The group enjoyed a guided tour of the Boulevard, home to McLaren’s historic cars, and saw hundreds of drivers’ trophies on display, representing more than fifty years of racing success.
The day provided a clear view of engineering in action, and opened students’ eyes to the exciting opportunities that await in this field.
Thinking about Sixth Form? Join us at our next open morning.
