Shell and Ferrari transformed a weekend at Lusail International Circuit into a showcase of innovation, STEM education and future engineering talent, hosting an exclusive trackside programme for standout Shell Eco-marathon students from Qatar. The initiative, held in the build-up to the Qatar Grand Prix, created a unique environment where young engineers could engage directly with Ferrari stars Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, gaining rare insight into the technical world behind Formula 1 performance.
The event was designed to spotlight Shell’s long-term commitment to developing the next generation of energy innovators, while also highlighting Ferrari’s ongoing support for educational programmes that promote sustainability, engineering excellence and hands-on learning. Throughout the day, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc took time to meet the students, learn about their projects and share reflections on their personal journeys through motorsport and engineering-driven competition.
The students selected for the visit came from the Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls and were recognised for their exceptional achievements in designing ultra-efficient vehicles during the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon programme in Qatar. Their visit to the circuit provided a chance to compare the technologies behind their own prototypes with the cutting-edge engineering solutions at the heart of modern Formula 1 machinery.
The engagement opened with relaxed conversations about racing in Qatar, the pressures of elite motorsport and the students’ ambitions in engineering. This introduction set the stage for a deeper technical immersion that began inside Shell’s Trackside Laboratory. Here, a Shell Technical Analyst walked the students through the detailed processes behind race-fuel evaluation, lubricant development and the live data analysis performed during a Grand Prix weekend. Students were encouraged to ask questions, leading to lively discussions about chemistry, performance optimisation and how Shell Eco-marathon principles intersect with F1 technology.
The visit continued in the Scuderia Ferrari HP garage, where Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton personally guided the students through the Ferrari F1 car’s engineering systems. They highlighted major elements such as aerodynamics, composite materials and telemetry workflows, explaining how each component contributes to race performance. The students were able to relate aspects of their own lightweight and energy-efficient vehicles to the highly sophisticated engineering solutions used in Formula 1, making the experience both inspirational and technically enriching.
Reflecting on the initiative, Dennis de Munck, Ferrari’s Head of University Partnerships, stated that the long-running collaboration with Shell and the Shell Eco-marathon embodies Ferrari’s philosophy of learning through real-world challenges. He explained that the programme allows students to develop technical expertise, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a competitive and motivating environment, and he congratulated all participants for their dedication and achievements.
The engagement also anticipated the upcoming Shell Eco-marathon mileage challenge, which will bring teams from across Asia, Africa and the Middle East to Qatar. As Shell continues to expand its investment in youth empowerment and sustainable energy innovation, the country is increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for scientific education, technological advancement and future-focused engineering initiatives.
Abdulrahman Al Khawaga, Communications Manager at Qatar Shell, emphasised that the event went far beyond a simple meet-and-greet. He noted that the exchange of ideas between students, engineers and Ferrari’s Formula 1 drivers created meaningful learning moments that contribute significantly to the development of sustainable mobility solutions and inspire future careers in engineering.
Shell Eco-marathon remains one of the world’s leading academic mobility programmes, challenging students to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient vehicles possible. By pushing teams to maximise performance with minimal energy use, the programme develops key skills in practical engineering, innovation, sustainability and collaborative problem-solving — qualities essential for shaping the future of global mobility.
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