University student invited to meet Formula 1 legends at 10 Downing Street

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A University of Winchester student had the chance to meet some of the biggest names in motor racing.

Megan Weeks was invited to a special event at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1.

The 21-year-old, who is studying sports coaching, wants to be a human performance coach for drivers.

Her invitation to the event came from Tom Hartley, head of competitor development at Motorsport UK.

At the celebration, she was able to meet former racing driver and head of the F1 Academy, Susie Wolff, as well as representatives from the Sauber team, soon to become Audi F1.

Megan attended the event which took place at 10 Downing Street. (Image: University of Winchester) Megan said: "It was a great opportunity to connect with so many people."

Her initial encounter with Mr Hartley happened at Thruxton race circuit earlier this year.

She and her fellow second-year students participated in a go-karting session with lecturer Richard Cheetham.

After sharing her career aspirations with Mr Hartley, she was invited to observe several Academy and Team UK days with Motorsport UK.

During these sessions, she met future drivers from various racing series and coaches from Porsche Human Performance, who sought her assistance with some of their activities.

Megan, from Tichborne, near Alresford, said: "Driving is hugely physical, the drivers need to be fit. On some corners, drivers are subject to huge G forces, and they can lose several kilos in weight during a race."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted the event, highlighting the significant contribution of F1 to the UK economy.

Two F1 cars were present at the event. (Image: University of Winchester)

Six of the 10 F1 teams are based in the UK, creating thousands of jobs and driving technical development for the motor industry.

Attendees at the celebration included team managers James Vowles (Williams), Flavio Briatore (Alpine), Andy Cowell (Aston Martin Aramco), Jonathan Wheatley (Sauber) and Ayao Komatsu (Haas), drivers Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman, Alexander Albon and Esteban Okon, and former world champions Sir Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill and Jenson Button.

Lando Norris's black and orange McLaren and Alex Albon's Williams were parked outside Number 10.

Richard Cheetham, senior fellow in sports coaching at the University of Winchester, said: "The external links we establish in our sports coaching work continue to be so beneficial to our course.

"This is a great example of a Winchester student earning and taking the opportunity at the highest level. We are very proud of Megan."