An inspiring engineering student is on the fast track to a career in Formula One after securing a place on the Lewis Hamilton Scholarship programme.
Lily Owuye, 23, will graduate with an MSc in Automotive Engineering before taking up her new role with Red Bull’s Formula One (F1) team as a graduate engineer in vehicle science in September.
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Masters in Motorsport Scholarship, run in partnership with Lewis Hamilton’s global foundation Mission 44, was launched in 2022 following recommendations from The Hamilton Commission on ways to address the under-representation of Black people in UK motorsports and the STEM sector.
Lily is one of eight recipients of the scholarship, which offers financial and career support to students from under-represented backgrounds pursuing advanced degrees in motorsport-related fields.
Positive platform
She said: “Growing up, you realise what representation is - it can just be a thing of visibility. People rely on visibility for the people they want to look up to.
“This sport reaches so many people and has a really public image, so the work of the scholarship shines a light on the progress being made.
“There might be people out there who come from a minority background and they're considering their options and think, I'm not sure if this is the industry that I want to target.
“It might be a relief for them knowing that they're not going to be alone, and they'll be supported. I really do feel like steps are being made in the right direction.
“You can really see that Lewis’s work has had a tangible impact on the entire community and he uses his platform in such a positive way.”
Mission 44 family
Lily studied an undergraduate degree in design engineering at Imperial College London, before experiencing motorsport in placements with race teams, leading her to apply for the year-long scholarship.
It has offered the chance to attend events and workshops and meet with motorsport industry professionals. The cohort was even invited to attend the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July and meet Lewis Hamilton himself.
She said of the experience: “We feel like we’re part of a Mission 44 family, which is really special for people from under-represented backgrounds - knowing that you're not the only one on this journey.”
As well as the work being done by Mission 44, Lily credits the impact of outreach organisations and charities such as Driven By Us.
Stephanie Travers, a former trackside fluid engineer who worked for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team and was the first Black woman to stand on an F1 podium, is also a role model for Lily. Stephanie is now Senior Impact Manager at Mission 44.
“Having someone who's built a really successful career and that being someone you can relate to on some level – it is really inspiring,” said Lily .
Student support
During her time in Leeds, Lily engaged with the Plus Programme, which supports students from under-represented backgrounds.
“I’m from a working class background - neither of my parents went to university or have what you would call professional careers,” she said.
“So, sometimes you suffer from impostor syndrome, or feel a bit out of place.
“The Plus programme has a thriving community because they they're always really active in encouraging you to reach out if you need support. You can be reassured knowing there are other people going through the same experience.”
Lily’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent is met with opportunity.
She also took part in a reverse mentoring scheme, and was paired with University of Leeds’ Chief Operating Officer Rachel Brealey to reflect on her experiences as someone from an under-represented background at Leeds.
“It’s been a really good opportunity to have some fantastic discussions, and get to know Rachel,” Lily added.
Throughout her experiences, Lily has had the support of her parents and sister. “My parents have been fantastic, supportive and enthusiastic and they instilled a really strong work ethic in me from very early on,” she said.
“I hope there's a time in the near future where I'm able to include them in what I'm doing, because I’m incredibly grateful to them.”
Rachel Brealey, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Leeds, said: “Lily’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent is met with opportunity. Her achievements reflect not only her own determination and brilliance, but also the impact of inclusive initiatives like the MSc Motorsport Scholarship.
“It’s been a privilege getting to know Lily through our reverse mentoring scheme - she’s thoughtful, driven, and full of insight and her resilience and ambition are truly inspiring. I’ve really enjoyed our conversations and have learned so much from her. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”
Further information
Pic credit: Lily Owuye
For further information, please contact Becky Pascoe in the University of Leeds press office on r.pascoe@leeds.ac.uk