Oxford University will continue to collaborate with Formula 1 on a scholarship to support talented undergraduate engineers from under-represented backgrounds for a further three years.

The Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship Programme was first announced in 2020 as part of a pledge to increase diversity and inclusion in the motorsports industry.

Formula 1 supports two students each year for the duration of the degrees, with the first scholars starting in 2021.

Oxford was one of six universities to benefit from the initiative and has been able to provide four fully funded scholarships to students on the MEng in Engineering Science course.

READ MORE: Coach operator Heyfordian Travel ceases trading

It will award a further six scholarships - two annually, up to and including the 2025/26 academic year.

Following the initial success of the programme, the collaboration has been extended with a number of universities.

Professor Ron Roy, head of the Department of Engineering Science, said: "We are delighted that Formula 1’s generous contribution means we can continue to help talented students from under-represented backgrounds to benefit from a first-class engineering education at Oxford.

"We know that the scholarships are making a huge difference to undergraduates’ lives, enabling them to concentrate on their studies and participate fully in the Oxford experience.

"We are grateful to Formula 1 for supporting our aim to make engineering at Oxford – and beyond – more inclusive, diverse and representative of the wider population."

Each new scholar receives the full cost of their tuition plus a living stipend for the duration of their four-year degree.

They will also have the opportunity to gain work experience with one of the 10 Formula 1 teams during their second year.

Second-year undergraduate Sean was one of the first students to receive a Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship at Oxford, having previously attended a state-funded Academy Trust selective school in Warwickshire.

He said: "This scholarship has a massive impact on my life. It means that I do not have to stress about my financial situation, which allows me to concentrate on making the most of my university experience.

"I can dedicate more quality time to my studies and it allows me to get involved in various events and opportunities from sport to socialising, without worrying about the financial aspect."

Fabbiha, who also joined Oxford as a Formula 1 Scholar in 2021, added: "I cannot express what this scholarship programme means to me.

"Not only does it provide me with financial freedom to try my best at engineering, but more than that, it provides me with the skills and information I will need beyond university to do well."

Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula 1, said he was "incredibly pleased" the F1 engineering scholarship will continue.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson's plans for pool run into trouble

He said: "Formula 1 is all about taking direct action to make lasting change. Since Chase Carey’s generous donation in 2020, we have expanded the scholarship programme and now provide financial and career support to 20 students.

"We will continue to honour our commitment to increasing diversity within our incredible sport and providing opportunities to the next generation of talented students."

Oxford’s Formula 1 Engineering Scholarships are open to black and minority ethnic undergraduate offer holders from low-income UK households, and an independent selection process is used to determine the recipients.