Oxford Brookes Students Awarded Fully-Funded Scholarships in Motorsport Engineering
The scholarships are part of a programme aimed at increasing diversity in Formula 1 and the UK motorsport industry
Three master’s students in Oxford Brookes have been awarded fully-funded scholarships.
This award is supported by Mission 44, a charitable initiative founded by seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton so that these students can pursue careers in motorsport.
The scholarships are part of a programme aimed at increasing diversity in Formula 1 and the UK motorsport industry, particularly addressing the underrepresentation of Black and Black mixed-ethnic individuals.
Steven Naaba from Plymouth, Wesley Massumbukolt from Milton Keynes, and Gerren Ntiri from East London began their MSc in Motorsport Engineering this academic year. They are among the second cohort of scholarship recipients, following in the footsteps of last year’s awardees, Amjad Saeed and Jonathan Keeya. Out of 13 students awarded the scholarship to date, five have chosen Oxford Brookes for their studies.
Dr Hayaatun Sillem, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, emphasised the programme's success in facilitating graduates’ employment in motorsport, while Jason Arthur, CEO of Mission 44, highlighted its role in driving meaningful industry change. The eight scholars for this year’s intake attended an event on 11 November at the Formula 1 Exhibition in London, where they met representatives from the initiative and industry leaders.
The initiative, launched in June 2022 in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, offers each student a £28,000 grant. Scholars also benefit from access to Oxford Brookes’ cutting-edge facilities, including two innovative new buildings opening in 2024/25 at the university’s Headington Hill site, designed to foster collaboration across engineering, motorsport, and creative disciplines.
The programme builds on recommendations from The Hamilton Commission’s report, Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport. It provides opportunities for scholars to connect with leading motorsport professionals, including representatives from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 and graduates now employed in Formula 1 and related sectors.