Chris Tagnon is the first Cambridge University student to be awarded a Masters in Motorsport scholarship from The Royal Academy of Engineering and seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton’s charitable foundation Mission 44.

Chris – who is currently studying an MPhil in Industrial Systems, Manufacture and Management (ISMM) at the Institute for Manufacturing –  will receive financial and careers support as part of the scholarship programme, which aims to encourage more students from Black or mixed Black backgrounds to study for a Masters in motorsport engineering or associated discipline, and address the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport.  He is one of eight UK graduates to be awarded the scholarship this year.

“Being awarded the scholarship is such a great feeling – especially with the link to Lewis Hamilton,” he said. “I started watching Formula 1 with my dad when I was about three years old, and that was around the time Lewis came into it, so I’ve only ever known it with him as a driver. He’s been a massive inspiration for me, with what he’s achieved in his career both on and off the track.

“His work to help diversify motorsports is already having a great impact. As scholars we’re being given the tools and the sort of opportunities that we need to maximise our potential, and I think that’s beneficial not just for us as Black engineers, but also for the whole industry as it widens the talent pool teams get to hire from.”

Chris, who is studying at King's College, said he chose the ISMM course at Cambridge to develop a strong foundation in engineering management, and to learn transferrable skills that can be applied to the motorsport sector as well as wider afield.

He said: “I've loved motorsport since I was a kid, and now my MPhil is focused on using the same kind of precision-led innovation. Some of the top Formula 1 engineers have come through Cambridge, and I’m really enjoying the learning experience at the University. Performance simulation is definitely where my interest lies – collecting the data, analysing it and continually making improvements.

“I’d like to work at the intersection of motorsport and wider industry, bridging the gap and applying the specialised engineering know-how to impactful applications, like venture development in aerospace, energy or clean mobility. But the ultimate dream is to be a team principal in Formula 1 – there are only 10 in the world!”

The scholarship also offers awardees the benefit of several networking events throughout the year, where they will have the opportunity to meet industry professionals and gain additional experience and knowledge about the sector.

Words: Stephen Bevan
Images: Mission 44
Published: 3rd February 2025

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