McLaren Racing visits KAUST to support a groundbreaking R&D partnership

Before Formula 1 arrived in Jeddah for the first time, the McLaren F1 team visited KAUST to recognize the successful collaboration in research and development with the university over the past three years.

“We are excited to work with our long-term partner KAUST on Research Open Week 2021 ahead of the first Saudi Arabia Grand Prix,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. “Promoting STEM education as an accessible and inspiring calling is a key focus of McLaren Racing’s overall sustainability strategy. As a partner during KAUST Research Open Week 2021, our team has an exciting opportunity to connect our own STEM ambassadors with KAUST staff and students to demonstrate the great opportunities our partnership can create and the importance of progress in our sustainability strategy for our team and our sport. “

The first Research Open Week presents the excellence in science and technology at KAUST. The aim is to celebrate and share the work of KAUST researchers with our valued partners through presentations, demonstrations and discussions.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown (right) spoke to KAUST President Tony about the technology partnership.

Dan McEwan, Head of Partnerships at McLaren Racing, met with KAUST Professors Mani Sarathy and Matteo Parsani for a KAUST Sci-Café panel discussion on the subject of Fostering a Sustainable Future for F1.

In addition, a round table discussion between McLaren STEM ambassadors and KAUST students focused on how more young people can be involved in STEM careers.

“KAUST’s collaboration with the McLaren Racing Team is a shining example of the best partnership,” said KAUST Vice President Research and Distinguished Professor of Material Physics and Device Engineering Professor Donal Bradley. “We have also worked with the broader McLaren group on a number of other topics, including personal protective equipment and emergency ventilators, sustainability initiatives, and promoting STEM education through the extreme technical challenges that Formula One offers.”

McLaren driver Lando Norris takes part in a simulator race with a member of the KAUST community.

McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris competed against the fastest member of the KAUST community on McLaren simulators before he spoke about his career in an open session.

The partnership, founded in 2018, aims to advance research in the fields of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), machine learning, fuels and lubricants, as well as advanced mathematics, sensors and electronics.

About FOLDER

KAUST was founded in 2009 and is a graduate research university on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. The university is committed to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education and innovation. Inquisitive and goal-oriented research is conducted by students, faculty, scientists, and engineers to address the world’s pressing scientific and technological challenges relating to food, water, energy, and the environment.

Visit kaust.edu.sa