Team Vicito

F1 in Schools is a prestigious international competition that challenges students worldwide to apply their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the design, engineering, and presentation of miniature Formula 1 cars. Teams must follow strict technical regulations and meet deadlines over the course of a year, developing their car, documenting their engineering process, and demonstrating teamwork and outreach. Judging occurs at regional, national, and world championship levels, with evaluation based on engineering excellence, innovation, presentation, and collaboration.

Team Vicito was active from late 2019 until mid-2022, a period marked by academic milestones and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, our team achieved notable success: silver at the 2021 regional finals, gold at the 2022 regionals, and bronze at the 2022 national finals. We also received special awards for fastest car, most convincing presentation, most innovative software, and other distinctions.

As the team’s lead for design, IT, and software development, I played a central role in shaping our technical direction and visual identity. My responsibilities included managing and rendering 3D models using SolidEdge and Blender, developing embedded devices with hardware-accelerated 3D simulations, and producing promotional videos. I managed our web presence, implemented scalable software solutions, and selected appropriate tools to ensure adaptability for larger production. My focus on integrating advanced technologies and maintaining high standards in both design and development was key to our competitive edge.

Of course, these achievements were only possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of the entire team. Each member contributed their own unique skills in engineering, marketing, outreach, and project management, and our collaborative approach was essential to overcoming challenges and reaching our goals.

Much of the software and technical work from our team has been archived on GitHub, and our project website remains available, albeit slightly outdated, at team-vicito.github.io. A newer version of the site has been lost due to hosting issues, but I hope to restore it in the future.

While Team Vicito concluded with our graduation, the experience was invaluable. The competition fostered not only technical expertise but also personal growth, teamwork, and resilience. The skills and knowledge gained continue to influence our professional paths, making this chapter a truly memorable and formative experience.