Students meet with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in careers visit

2 July 2026

A black formula 1 racing car underneath a black Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS canopy.

Hundreds of students experienced an engaging and high-profile recruitment showcase from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

The event featured a Formula One show car displayed in the heart of Library Square, drawing large crowds throughout the day. Students gathered to explore the engineering behind the vehicle, take photographs, and speak directly with team representatives about careers in elite motorsport and engineering.

The centrepiece of the event was a keynote talk delivered by Richard Pattinson, Chief Engineer – Car Design at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. His address offered valuable insights into the world of Formula One engineering, career pathways within the industry, and the skills required to succeed at the highest level of motorsport. The session was followed by a networking opportunity, where students connected with industry professionals and Durham alumni currently working within Formula One.

Meeting graduates

Harry Brooks (Computer Science, Josephine Butler College, 2016-20) and Harriet Vickers (Engineering, St Mary’s College, 2013-17), joined their colleagues from Mercedes on Library Square to talk to our students about what it is like to work in F1.

A lot of my time at Durham I spent working really hard, but the bits that got me through that were being a part of my uni jazz band. That gave me a lot of the skills that have helped me succeed today at Mercedes. I led the band in my third year, I set up another band in my fourth year and all of those leadership and softer skills that Durham gave me really helped me in my job. I did computer science in schools when I was here and those skills around mentoring and teaching other people is also incredibly and has been really useful in my careers, particularly as I’ve gone into a more managerial role!

Harry Brooks

Alumnus (Computer Science, Josephine Butler College, 2016-20)

In total, 230 students attended the session in person, with a further 65 joining online. Attendees took full advantage of the opportunity to ask insightful questions and gain first-hand knowledge of career opportunities within the sector.

Sustainability in engineering

Adding a unique dimension to the showcase, Durham University Solar Car (DUSC) exhibited their own vehicle alongside the Formula One car. The display highlighted the university’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in engineering. The Solar Car team attracted significant interest, with many students keen to explore the parallels between solar-powered technology and high-performance motorsport engineering.

On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team to display their car alongside Durham’s very own ‘DUSC2023’. A standout moment came from speaking to Mercedes Chief Engineer, Richard Pattinson, whose insights into his career were inspiring and thought-provoking, underlining the exciting opportunities in motorsport engineering for the whole team. The event reinforced the importance of promoting sustainable technologies, and Durham University Solar Car is delighted to be able to play such an active role in raising awareness of the vital contribution that engineering can make to a greener future.

Nathan Lansing

Head Aerodynamic Engineer for Durham University Solar Car

Working in partnership

The collaborative nature of the event showcased the strength of Durham’s partnerships with leading global organisations, while also highlighting student innovation and ambition. The strong turnout and positive engagement underline the value of bringing industry leaders onto campus to inspire the next generation of talent.

Events such as this continue to play a key role in connecting Durham students with world-class employers, providing valuable insight into competitive industries and supporting students to pursue careers at the forefront of engineering and technology.

From our student blog

Melisenta, a first-year Marketing and Management student, reflects on promoting and experiencing Durham's unforgettable campus visit from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

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A shot showing a lot of people looking at the DU Solar Car and F1 cars which are positioned side by side.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team car was positioned next to the Durham University Solar Car in Library Square, drawing large crowds throughout the day. Image courtesy of Harry Cordeaux.

A blonde woman wearing a black Mercedes PETRONAS AMG polo shirt stands behind a stand with F1 items on.

Students were able to speak directly with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team representatives about careers in elite motorsport and engineering. Image courtesy of Harry Cordeaux.

A man and a women wearing black Mercedes PETRONAS AMG polo shirts standing behind a F1 display talking to students.

Students were able to speak directly with two Durham alumni (Harry Brooks - Computer Science, Josephine Butler College, 2016-20; and Harriet Vickers - Engineering, St Mary’s College, 2013-17; pictured behind the desk in this image) about their experiences of working in F1.

A lecture theatre full of male and female students watching a man and a woman dressed in black behind a lectern.

Richard Pattinson, Chief Engineer – Car Design at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team delivered a keynote talk. He offered students valuable insights into the world of Formula One engineering, career pathways within the industry, and the skills required to succeed at the highest level of motorsport. Image courtesy of Harry Cordeaux.

A mixed group of students wearing matching purple tops posing next to a solar car.

Durham University Solar Car (DUSC) exhibited their own vehicle alongside the Formula One car. The display highlighted the University’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in engineering, with many students keen to explore the parallels between solar-powered technology and high-performance motorsport engineering. Image courtesy of Harry Cordeaux.

A Formula One show car was on display in front of the Bill Bryson Library, in Library Square on campus, attracting large crowds throughout the day. Image courtesy of Harry Cordeaux.

A young man stands in front of a black Formula One race car under a fabric canopy.

Alumnus Harry Brooks (Computer Science, Josephine Butler College, 2016-20) represented the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team and spoke to students about his experience of working in F1. Image courtesy of Harry Cordeaux.