Students from The Brunts Academy revved up for the official education challenge of F1 — becoming regional winners and earning a place in the national finals at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham, in March.

Teams of up to six competed at the East Midlands F1 in Schools regional final in Boston and the Mansfield school stood on the winners’ podium with DareDevil Racing (Regional Champions, Development Class), The Jokers (Regional Champions, Entry Class), and Hellfire Racing (Future Stars, Entry Class) all successful.

The Future Stars accolade was awarded to the team that most impressed the judges, who were excited to see what they culd achieve in future competitions.

The STEM-based competition, supported by Lenovo, sees participants design, make, and race miniature F1 cars, alongside learning wider skills such as project management, marketing, and sponsorship. It is tailored to the national curriculum.

If Brunts is successful at the national event they will be in with a chance of competing at the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals, which is held annually alongside an international F1 Grand Prix.

Lolanda, team principal of DareDevil Racing, said: “We weren’t expecting to achieve first place, so this was an amazing surprise. We can’t wait for the national finals; it will be a great experience.”

The academy posted on Facebook: “Our 3 F1 in Schools teams smashed the Regional Finals. A huge well done to DareDevil Racing, The Jokers, and Hellfire Racing for their impressive performances, massive congratulations to you all. Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for helping us.”

Tom Milner, UK project manager for F1 in Schools, added: “It was a fantastic regional final. All the students who competed did themselves and their schools proud ­— not only because of their brilliant car designs and project work, but because they brought such a positive and passionate attitude to the event.”