McLaren Racing NEXT 2026

At McLaren Racing, our mission is to set the standard in high performance in sport, on and off the track. We believe that diversity of thought is crucial to that, which is why we want to promote and embed a diverse and inclusive culture in our workplace, and industry. 

We created McLaren Racing NEXT to identify and support the next generation of talent to join us on this quest. 

What to expect 

McLaren Racing NEXT 2026 is a high-impact, learning and development programme delivered in collaboration with our partners Allwyn, Cisco, and Schneider Electric, designed to support 25 exceptional women in STEM from the UK, US, and EU as they explore future careers in motorsport and related industries. 

This is not your average development programme. Over the course of five days, you'll engage in a carefully curated learning journey designed to expand your skills, knowledge, and network. 

Highlights include 

• A 5-day, in-person experience at the McLaren Technology Centre and the offices of our Programme Partners featuring hands-on learning, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes industry immersion.

• Access to a powerful network of industry leaders, recruiters, and like-minded peers.

• Support and guidance to help you launch into your next role - whether in motorsport, engineering, technology, or another STEM field. 

About our NEXT programme partners 

As Principal Partner of the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team, Cisco's industry-leading technology delivers critical solutions across multiple facets of the team's global operations. In the always-on, fast-paced world of Formula 1, Cisco technology enables McLaren's F1 Team to anticipate, act and simplify operations across its entire portfolio whether it be delivering vital data on race day or finding new innovative ways to engage and connect with fans worldwide. Cisco's partnership with McLaren Racing also includes support of the F1 Academy and the team's F1 Academy driver Ella Lloyd. 

Allwyn is an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team and McLaren Racing. Allwyn and McLaren Racing share the principles of innovation, high performance and excellence, and the partnership will help both brands drive awareness to global audiences. Allwyn is a leading multi-national lottery operator, building better lotteries that return more to good causes by focusing on innovation, technology, efficiency and safety across a growing casual gaming entertainment portfolio. The lottery-first approach of focusing on affordable recreational play has earned Allwyn leading market positions with trusted brands across Europe in Austria, Czech Republic, Greece and Cyprus, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States (Illinois). Together, Allwyn and McLaren will give fans unparalleled access to McLaren and will unlock more possibilities for fans to enjoy the sport. 

Schneider Electric is McLaren Racing's Official Energy Technology Partner and a global leader in energy management and automation, delivering solutions that help organisations manage power efficiently and sustainably. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. 

Eligibility Criteria 

We're looking for talented, driven young women who are passionate about STEM and ready to accelerate their careers. 

You are eligible if you: 

• Identify as a woman. 

• Are currently enrolled in the final year of study, working towards a degree or equivalent in the following areas: Physics, chemistry, technology (such as computer science, data analytics, etc.), engineering and mathematics. 

• Are currently based in the United Kingdom, European Union or United States. 

• Are available to attend the in-person experience in Woking, England from 7 to 11 September. To ensure financial barriers do not restrict potential applicants, McLaren Racing will cover travel and accommodation costs associated with joining this experience. 

• Have a genuine interest in exploring careers in motorsport, engineering, or adjacent sectors. 

Key dates 

Programme announcement and applications open: Monday, 18 May 2026  

Applications close: Friday, 12 June 2026  

In-person experience: 7–11 September 2026 

Apply now and join a network of future leaders shaping the world through STEM. 

Please note that by applying to the programme you hereby grant McLaren, Allwyn, Cisco, and Schneider Electric rights to your image usage in content and all media over the course of the programme. You also confirm that you are happy to be part of an alumni group for 12 months after the end of the programme – this alumni group will be set up to share early careers opportunities within McLaren Racing, Allwyn, Cisco, and Schneider Electric and you may also be invited to exclusive events or activities by McLaren Racing. Applicants also consent to being signed up to mailing lists of McLaren Racing and NEXT partners.