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The Next Lap Challenge 2027
STEM on Track
Now OPEN
KEY DATES
Submission due: Friday, 12 February 2027
National winners announced: 26 February 2027
Victorian live finals: To be confirmed
Inspire your students to redesign the future of racing and compete for the chance to showcase their ideas live at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.
Formula 1® is more than racing. It is science, engineering and high-performance systems in action.
The Next Lap Challenge invites students to think like F1 engineers as they explore how circuits, cars and race systems can be improved for performance, safety and experience.
Students apply real STEM concepts and design their own innovation for the future of racing.
Aligned with the Australian Curriculum (Grades 4 to 12), this is a ready-to-run classroom experience that builds critical thinking, teamwork and real-world problem solving.
Why This Challenge Matters
STEM is not theory. It is how real systems work. The Next Lap Challenge connects students to the science behind Formula 1®, from forces and motion to aerodynamics, safety and system design.
This is STEM with purpose, speed and real-world context.
This challenge:
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Aligned to the Australian Curriculum (Grades 4 to 12)
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Real-world application of science and engineering concepts
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Builds critical thinking, teamwork and communication
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High engagement through motorsport context students already love
Get Started
The Next Lap Challenge is now live.
All resources are ready to go. No extra prep required. Register your school to access the full Challenge pack.
How It Works
Simple. Structured. Classroom-ready.
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Register your school and access the Challenge Guide
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Students form teams of up to five
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Teams investigate a motorsport problem or system
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Students design and present their innovation
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Submit a 2 to 3 minute video or narrated presentation
Top Victorian teams present live at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.
Outside Victoria?
This is a national challenge. Schools across Australia can participate, compete and be recognised.
All participating schools receive:
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Certificates for students
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National recognition through STEM Hub
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Entry into official judging and awards
Winning teams receive trophies and exclusive Australian Grand Prix merchandise.
Curriculum Alignment
Turn core STEM concepts into real-world learning through motorsport. The Next Lap Challenge builds essential scientific skills while aligning directly with the Australian Curriculum.
Students explore concepts like forces, motion, energy and systems through a hands-on, problem-solving approach.
FAQs
Who can participate?
Open to all Australian students in Grades 4–12, including schools and homeschoolers.
What resources will I receive?
A complete Challenge pack with guidelines, STEM booklet and marking rubrics. Ready to run.
How are teams structured?
Teams of up to five students. Schools can enter multiple teams across any year levels.
Is there a cost to enter?
No. The Challenge is completely free.
Can homeschoolers take part?
Yes. Homeschool students register and participate the same way as schools.
What do students need to submit?
A 2 to 3 minute video or narrated presentation explaining their idea and how it improves a racing system, circuit or experience.
How much time does this take in class?
Completely flexible to suit your school. Run it over 3 to 6 lessons, a full unit, or extend it across a term or semester. Some schools deliver it in class, while others run it as a STEM club or extension program. Everything is designed to be easy to adapt to your timetable.
Are there examples of previous student work?
Yes. Explore winning submissions on our ACES page to see what great looks like.
Be the first to know!
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