An engineering student from Darlington College has secured a place in the prestigious Mercedes F1 academy program.
James Constantine, 18 from North Cowton, holds a position in Northamptonshire, at the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Center in Brixworth.
He applied for the program after leaving Richmond School to study for a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Engineering at Darlington College.
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James said: ” I went to an interview and they told me to get experience of what I was doing in a garage.
” I applied a year later and got in and now work in the testing department, which is great. “
Motorsport is in James’ blood. His father is a rally driver and James grew up in Dalton-on-Tees in the shadow of the Croft Circuit.
His interest in automobiles began at the age of 10 and he currently drives a Suzuki Swift in national rally-cross championships.
He said: “I’ve always been in F1 and the hope is that the academy place will turn into an apprenticeship.
“The first time I visited the F1 factory it was amazing and I hope to get as far as possible in F1.”
James had high praise for Darlington College and its tutor, he said, “I would really recommend Darlington College as it is to get to study in the classroom but also to have time to gain work experience and my tutor Rob Elliott was always there for me if I was ever stuck. “
James ‘tutor, Mr Elliott, said, “James’ story is a great example of the variety of amazing opportunities available in engineering.
“He deserves his chance to work at the forefront of motorsport as he was brave enough to approach Mercedes and persistently pursued his dream.”
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