Australian racer Oscar Piastri, Formula 1 driver for McLaren Racing, visited King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on March 15, 2023 as part of an ongoing partnership between KAUST and McLaren. The visit coincides with the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that will take place in Jeddah between March 17-19. The multi-year research and development (R&D) agreement between McLaren Racing and KAUST, signed in August 2018, focuses on “extreme performance technology,” utilizing KAUST research expertise in the areas of advanced fuels and materials, vehicle efficiency, aerodynamics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, sustainability and advanced sensors. Educational engagement is a key component of the partnership. Students from the KAUST School (TKS) were thrilled to meet the world-famous race car driver. In a Q&A with Piastri, they asked questions that covered a range of topics, and Piastri generously shared his knowledge. “Inspiring the next generation of motorsport talent is a big priority for the McLaren Racing team, so it was brilliant to meet so many KAUST students today, and to get a chance talk to them about their own experiences and ambitions for the future, while hopefully sharing some useful insights into my own journey into F1.”,” Piastri said. — SG