Robert May's students target national glory in F1 in Schools

But for the students of Robert May's School, in Odiham, the victory wasn't just about the podium finish; it was the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and a dash of recycled plastic ingenuity.

As previously reported, Robert May’s students finished runners-up in the development class category of the F1 in Schools challenge held at the prestigious RAF Benson.

READ MORE: Students take home silverware at F1 in Schools competition

Leading the charge was Evie Lawrence, the 14-year-old team manager, who said: "I feel ecstatic about placing second! It's so nice to see all our hard work paying off."

Second-placed team (Atomic) from Robert May's School (Image: Contributed)

Liam Weakley, the 13-year-old CAD engineer, shared how the experience fuelled his dream.

He said: "F1 in Schools has helped me work towards my dream job, an F1 engineer. I now know how to work together as part of a team."

Charlotte Trefusis, the 14-year-old marketing manager of the team, highlighted the personal growth she experienced. She said: "F1 in Schools has been a great experience. It's increased my confidence and teamwork skills. I look forward to competing in the National Finals in March."

But what truly set Atomic apart was their commitment to sustainability.

They cleverly repurposed plastic bags into miniature 'Snap' playing cards, showcasing their environmental consciousness alongside their engineering prowess.

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This unique touch didn't go unnoticed, adding another dimension to their already impressive performance.

Now, with two new members from their fellow school team 'Interstellar' joining the ranks, Atomic is gearing up for the national finals in March.

Their sights are set on the ultimate prize: a chance to compete at the global Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals, where they'll race against the best young minds from around the world.