Have you ever considered learning to code? Coding might seem daunting at first, but it's an incredibly empowering skill that opens the door to a world of opportunities, and it's much less about mathematics than you might think! In November, we partnered with Girls on Track UK to host an event providing insights into the world of software development, and how it not only plays a key role in the world of motorsport, but it can be for anyone.
Girls on Track UK is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at increasing the involvement of women in motorsport, whether as competitors, volunteers, or professionals working behind the scenes. Their mission is to inspire girls and women into seeing and believing that there is a rightful and valuable place for them in the motorsports industry, and they've created a vibrant community where women can share their stories, inspire one another, and connect through online or in-person events like this one.
At TechSwitch, we're committed to creating pathways into tech for underrepresented groups, particularly women. Our mission aligns closely with Girls on Track UK as we both strive to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity in spaces where women have traditionally been underrepresented.
The stats speak for themselves: only 18.7% of Software Engineers in the UK are women, and while 37% of Formula 1 employees identify as women, the proportion drops significantly in technical roles. This imbalance fuels our determination to spotlight the exciting opportunities available in software development, especially within Formula 1 and motorsport, and to demystify what these roles look like in practice.
A key part of making tech and motorsport more inclusive is breaking down the barriers that make these fields seem inaccessible. With this in mind, we designed an interactive taster session as part of the event which introduced algorithmic thinking and coding concepts in a way that was engaging, fun, and approachable - even for complete beginners.
The activity simulated a pit stop challenge, where attendees used drag-and-drop commands to control a virtual car crew. The challenge started simply but grew in complexity, incorporating concepts like loops, counters, checks, and variables - the building blocks of software development.
This hands-on approach gave attendees a taste of the problem-solving mindset that developers use every day. It also showed them how accessible and creative coding can be, particularly when applied to solving real-world challenges in a field as exciting as motorsport.
One of the highlights of the event was an inspiring panel discussion featuring women from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One teams, as well as from TechSwitch. Each panellist shared their personal journey into tech, offering honest insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in traditionally male-dominated fields: tech and motorsport.
Hearing these stories firsthand emphasised that there's no “one-size-fits-all” path into tech, and that it is never too late to start. The panellists highlighted the importance of perseverance, community support, and staying curious – inspiring attendees to imagine the possibilities for their own futures.
One of the best ways to get started in coding is to simply dive in and start experimenting. That's why we created the pit stop game for our event, and now you can try it too. The game has been designed to be beginner-friendly while giving you a glimpse into how developers think and solve problems.
Whether you're curious about a future in tech, motorsport, or just want to learn something new, this event was a reminder that coding is for everyone, and the possibilities are endless.