Girls Who Code on Track with Tech Partner Akkodis and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

Two weeks ago, Austin, TX, was buzzing with excitement for the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix 2024, where Akkodis and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team showcased that their joint commitment extends far beyond the race track.

At this year's event, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and Akkodis had the honor of hosting 16 inspirational young women from Girls Who Code, an international non-profit organization on a mission to close the gender gap in tech. 

Inspiring Future Women Leaders in Technology and Engineering

The aim of this visit was to inspire and educate these future leaders, sparking their interest in STEM fields by showcasing how technology and engineering drive not only Formula 1 but also innovation in broader industries. 

Through this exclusive experience, Akkodis and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team wanted to demonstrate that careers in STEM are exciting, accessible, and open to women ready to break boundaries.

The experience began with a tour of the garage and track—a look into the ‘inner sanctum’ of Formula 1—accompanied by a discussion on the cutting-edge technology behind the race. 

Face-to-Face with Lewis Hamilton

The group then had the unique opportunity to participate in a face-to-face Q&A session with seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, where they were surprised to learn that Hamilton is not only a world-class driver but also a passionate tech enthusiast. 

Throughout their visit, the girls had the opportunity to meet key tech leaders from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, including Emma Corfield (Senior Aero Performance Engineer), Evan Short (Trackside Electronics Leader), and Richard Lane (Lead Engineer), gaining insights into the engineering expertise that powers the team.

The day wrapped up with a Pit Lane walking tour, giving them a complete behind-the-scenes view of the world of Formula 1.

"Since Akkodis’ inception, we’ve proudly stood as an Official Team Partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and strategic ally of Girls Who Code,” said Jan Gupta, President of Akkodis. 

He added, “As a global Smart Industry leader, Akkodis is dedicated to championing women in tech and supporting young talent. Smart Industry isn't just about technology—it’s about driving meaningful change, bridging the digital divide, and building a more inclusive, equitable future. This event represents another key milestone in our shared journey, where passion for technology, dedication to gender equality in tech, and the thrill of racing all come together.”

About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, and leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls or nonbinary with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st-century opportunities. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 500,000 students through our in-person and virtual programming, and 115,000 of our alumni are college or career-aged.

Girls Who Code has sparked culture change through marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts, generating 14 billion engagements globally. In 2019, the organization was named the #1 most innovative non-profit on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list and, in 2022, was named one on NonProfit Times' Best Non-Profits to Work for.

https://girlswhocode.com/

About the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is the works team of Mercedes-AMG, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport – the FIA Formula One™ World Championship.

Formula One is a sport like no other. Combining elite teamwork, cutting-edge technologies and innovation, high-performance management and exceptional driving skill, teams develop race cars capable of competing against their rivals in a high-octane environment that spans upwards of 20 races across five continents throughout each season.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, based across Technology Centres at Brackley and Brixworth in the United Kingdom, brings together over 1,000 dedicated and determined people that design, develop, manufacture and race the cars driven by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Grand Prix winner, George Russell.

Winning seven consecutive double Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships from 2014 to 2020 and securing a record-breaking eighth consecutive Constructors’ Championship success in 2021, the Team is one of the most successful in the sport’s history.

Between returning as a Constructor in 2010 and the end of the 2022 season, the Mercedes-AMG works team has scored 116 wins, 264 podium finishes, 128 pole positions, 91 fastest laps and 54 one-two finishes from 259 race starts. 

https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/