Accelerating Futures: Akkodis and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Give Girls Who Code Students Exclusive Access at the U.S. Grand Prix

Akkodis and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1Team welcomed 12 members of Girls Who Code and five students from the University of Texas Longhorn Racing Team for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. As a Team Partner and member of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s Sustainability Working Group, Akkodis is dedicated to educating and cultivating the next generation of STEM and tech leaders. Through this experience, participants explored the intersection of engineering, data and performance at the highest level of motorsport — gaining personal insight into how innovation and collaboration drive results both on and off the track.

Behind the Scenes of Formula 1

The day began with a warm welcome and lunch hosted by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1Team, where students connected with engineers, mentors and Akkodis representatives. From there, participants embarked on a guided tour of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team garage, led by experts who explained how precision engineering, advanced analytics and collaboration drive success on race weekends.

The experience continued with a meet-and-greet with Evan Short, Head of Trackside Electronics and Controls, who shared insights into the complex systems that power the car’s performance. Participants then met Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, and Kim Quaghebeur, Sustainability and Environmental Coordinator for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F11 Team and former Akkodis Lead the Charge Candidate, who discussed the team’s efforts to embed sustainability across Formula 1 — from energy efficiency and responsible innovation to preparing for the new 2026 regulations requiring a near 50/50 split between combustion and electric power.

Kim Quaghebeur reflected, “Akkodis gave me the opportunity to achieve my dream career through the Lead the Charge program, combining my passions for motorsport and sustainability with a role at the team. It was brilliant for me to be able to share my story with the Girls Who Code and the see their trackside visit, getting real insight into the kind of careers available in F1 beyond what you see on TV. She continued, "I'd like to think it's the kind of experience that will afford them the same level of excitement and drive the prospect of working in motorsport gave me."

Adding even more excitement, attendees enjoyed exclusive meet-and-greets with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, and reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, who each offered unique perspectives on teamwork, resilience and the technology behind their pursuit of peak performance.

The afternoon concluded with a paddock and pit lane tour, giving participants a rare opportunity to explore the heart of Formula 1 operations and see firsthand the teamwork and precision that define race day preparation.

“At Akkodis, we believe that shaping the future of technology starts with empowering the next generation of innovators,” said Jo Debecker, President and CEO of Akkodis, “Through our collaboration with Girls Who Code and our partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, students can experience firsthand how data, sustainability and engineering excellence come together to drive real-world progress.”

“Offering girls the chance to go behind the scenes and discover what drives experiences like Formula One is a meaningful way to ignite their interest in technology,” said Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “We are excited to continue our collaboration with Akkodis to provide these learning opportunities to more girls and inspire them to pursue careers in tech.”

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. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology, with the goal of reaching 5 million girls, women, and nonbinary individuals by 2030. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and champion girls, women, and nonbinary people, with a special focus on historically underrepresented groups, to become changemakers in tech. We are committed to increasing access to the technology field for all, equipping the next generation to thrive in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other transformative technologies shaping the 21st century.

Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached over 760,000 students through our in-person and virtual programming. Of these, 330,000 alumni are now college or career-aged, ready to lead in tech.

Girls Who Code has sparked culture change through marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts, generating 14.9 billion impressions globally, with notable campaigns such as Doja Code, the world’s first codeable music video with Doja Cat. Girls Who Code has been named The NonProfit Times' Best Nonprofits to Work For three years in a row and recognized as one of Fast Company’s Brands that Matter. https://girlswhocode.com/

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