Driving innovation: Akkodis and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team inspire University of Texas students

As a Team Partner and member of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s Sustainability Working Group, Akkodis facilitated this event as part of its ongoing mission to educate and cultivate the next generation of STEM and tech leaders. A global leader in digital engineering consulting, Akkodis is dedicated to empowering emerging talent and connecting students with opportunities to explore real-world applications of technology and sustainability.

An Evening of Insight and Collaboration

Held on October 15th, the event welcomed members of the UT Longhorn Racing Team for an interactive evening of learning and inspiration.

Following introductions and an update from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, attendees participated in an engaging Q&A with Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, and Kim Quaghebeur, Sustainability and Environmental Coordinator, moderated by Marcia Custodio, South Texas Market Director for Akkodis.

Kim’s journey brought a personal connection to the discussion. As part of the Akkodis “Lead the Charge” program who now works with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, Kim exemplifies how Akkodis’ programs turn passion for technology, sustainability, and data-driven innovation into meaningful careers — where AI and data analytics are applied to ESG initiatives to drive smarter decisions, enhance sustainability performance, and create real-world impact in engineering and motorsport.

The conversation continued with Richard Lane, Principal Track Engineer for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, who shared technical insights into the data-driven precision and teamwork behind every Formula 1 race. The evening closed with an open Q&A, allowing students to connect directly with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team engineers and discuss how lessons from F1 translate into university racing and real-world engineering.

Accelerating the Future

Through events like this — and initiatives such as Lead the Charge — Akkodis continues to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of innovators. Together with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, Akkodis is helping students transform curiosity into capability and ideas into impact, driving progress toward a more connected and sustainable future.

The conversation didn’t end on campus — discover how Akkodis and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team brought Girls Who Code students and UT Longhorn Racing members behind the scenes at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix for an unforgettable day of technology, teamwork, and inspiration. Discover how Akkodis and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team gave Girls Who Code students and UT Longhorn Racing members a behind-the-scenes experience at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Accelerating the Future

About Akkodis

Akkodis is a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we combine technology and talent to deliver end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting to talent development and implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 50,000 engineers and tech consultants in over 30 countries with services that span Consulting, Talent, Solutions, and Academy. With a cross-sector view and strong delivery capabilities, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact.  
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About the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

Mercedes was born to race - and we've been doing it since 1901. Today, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team competes at the pinnacle of motorsport: the FIA Formula One World Championship. 

The pioneering spirit of our company founders lives on in our commitment to innovation and performance. As the world's original automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has defined the cutting edge of technology for over a century. Today, our F1 team exists to demonstrate the best of the brand's performance on the global stage. 

Based in Brackley and Brixworth, UK, over 2,000 committed team members work with a singular mission: to win the world championship. From 2014 to 2021, we secured a record eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, and we are hungry for more. 

Our journey is not just about performance on the track; we also strive to make a positive impact on the world and inspire future generations. We are proud signatories of the Climate Pledge, and we are leading the way in building a more sustainable and inclusive sport. 

For more information, please visit www.mercedesamgf1.com.   

About University of Texas Longhorn Racing:

Founded in 1980 by Dr. Ron Matthews, Longhorn Racing is the flagship Formula Society of Automotive Engineers program in the United States. Each year, student members independently design and construct an internal combustion, electric, and solar-powered racecar to compete against other top universities. Longhorn Racing consists of over 300 members across the 3 vehicle teams, placing emphasis not just on building racecars, but more so on building the next generation of professionals. www.longhornracing.org/