Aston Martin and Alonso host STEM education event to inspire the next generation ahead of Spanish GP

Aston Martin have been inspiring the next generation of talent by hosting the latest of their STEM education events ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso amongst those to meet with the students during the day.

Hosted with Aramco at the two-time world champion’s circuit and museum in Asturias, the group of more than 30 students participated in various talks and workshops to offer them a closer insight into various aspects of the world of motorsport, with a focus on engineering, mechanics, design and media.

READ MORE: Alonso brands Canadian GP ‘a fantastic race’ for Aston Martin after double points haul

This included a workshop on mechanics, where students learned more about the similarities and differences between a kart and a single-seater car, while a media masterclass with Spanish sports journalist Melissa Jimenez and driver Jessica Hawkins revealed how to film the perfect interview for social media.

Later on the students were joined by Alonso, with the group being given the opportunity to ask the Spaniard questions and get advice before hitting the track for a karting masterclass with the man himself, along with Hawkins and team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa.

READ MORE: F1 makes ‘significant progress’ in sustainability as first Impact Report released

Alonso and De la Rosa even got behind the wheel of a two-seater kart, where they couldn’t resist performing a donut or two, while the students were given the chance to exercise their competitive sides by enjoying an afternoon on the circuit with a series of racing heats.

Reflecting on the day’s events, Alonso commented: “I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of Aston Martin and Aramco in this type of initiative. I think for me it is very important to help the next generation.

“I was one of the first Spanish drivers in Formula 1, and probably back then I didn’t have the facilities, I didn’t have the knowledge, and I didn’t have the country just embracing Formula 1. Now we have those, and it’s a good moment to inspire the next generation.

READ MORE: ‘A life-changing opportunity’ – What it’s like to work with a Formula 1 team as an F1 Engineering Scholar

“Kids discovered Formula 1 for the first time, they discovered motorsport. Not only as a driver – as an engineer, as a mechanic… There are many forms of motorsport and this is the right time, so I’m very happy that Aston Martin and Aramco is doing this kind of thing.”