Athlone students claim F1 in Schools national title at finals in Limerick
Three students from the Marist College in Athlone continued the school's hugely impressive run of success in the F1 in Schools initiative when they were announced as the Irish champions at the national finals of the competition in the University of Limerick last Friday.
More than 150 students in 21 teams competed in the Lenovo F1 in School 2024 Ireland National Finals, making it the largest national finals here to date.
The Blitz Racing team from the Marist College took home top honours at the event, which challenges participants to design, make, and race miniature F1 cars.
Teams are assessed across a variety of areas - including car speed, engineering quality, brand identity and verbal presentation skills.
The Marist's Blitz Racing team consists of Transition Year student Bruce Hollmann, and Fifth Year students Mohammed Hamzah Mateen and Boris Zhang.
Blitz Racing competed over a full day, against the 20 other teams, to secure the top spot at the competition held in Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick.
They were joined on the podium by two all-girls teams; Increvex from St Brigid's College in Loughrea, and Revolution Racing in Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn Cluain Meala in Clonmel, who came second and third respectively.
The teams were presented with their awards by Tom Milner, UK Project Manager of F1 in Schools, and will now progress to the global stage of the competition.
Later this year they will compete against F1 in Schools students from across the globe at the Aramco F1 in Schools 2025 World Finals, an event which is held annually alongside an international F1 Grand Prix.
Reflecting on their win, Blitz Racing's Team Manager Bruce Hollmann said: "We had high hopes coming into the event and have been working on our car and project work almost every day in the lead up to the competition, so it's fantastic to be crowned national champions.
"We can't thank our teachers enough for their support, and we're looking forward to the Aramco F1 in Schools 2025 World Finals where we hope to continue our winning streak!"