October 18, 2024, 8:00 a.m. • Innovation~Partnerships
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (“MGHF1 Team”) returned to Dallas for the second annual MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Dallas Day, an unforgettable experience designed to inspire students to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). This year’s event, held just before the US Grand Prix in Austin, brought even more excitement, innovation and engagement with the introduction of a new creative challenge—Ayao’s Assignment.
What is Ayao’s Assignment?
In collaboration with MoneyGram and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, Ayao’s Assignment was created to give students a hands-on experience in what it takes to run a Formula 1 team. Brought to you by Ayao Komatsu, MGHF1 Team Principal, the assignment challenged students from local Dallas high schools to explore one of three key aspects of team management: Engineering & Design, Human Performance and Marketing & Communications. In advance of the event, each student group was tasked with acting as the Team Principal, thinking critically and creatively to solve real-world challenges faced by an F1 team.
A Star-Studded Panel Discussion
The highlight of the day was an engaging panel discussion featuring experts in F1 and marketing. Moderated by ESPN broadcaster and sports journalist Nicole Briscoe, the panel included: Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg (MGHF1 Team drivers), Ayao Komatsu (MGHF1 Team Principal) and Greg Hall (Chief Marketing Officer at MoneyGram).
Nicole kicked off the session with a warm welcome, expressing excitement about the event and the students’ interest in STEAM careers. “Looking out into the crowd, I’m thrilled to see so many enthusiastic students,” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited to dive into STEAM-related subjects through the exciting lens of Formula 1.”
The panelists discussed a variety of topics, from the rigorous preparation it takes to race at an elite level to the importance of marketing and communications in maintaining a global brand. Ayao also took time to break down some of the standout submissions from Ayao’s Assignment, highlighting the creativity and strategic thinking demonstrated by the students.
Students Take the Lead
After the panel, students had the opportunity to ask the panelists questions, gaining deeper insight into the world of F1 and how STEAM plays a crucial role in every aspect of the sport.
The day wasn’t just about talking – it was also about action! Students competed in a Formula 1 simulator competition set to the iconic Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, experiencing firsthand the speed and precision required to race at one of the toughest circuits on the F1 calendar.
Continuing to Inspire Through STEAM
The MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Dallas Day is more than just a fan event – it’s a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders. By combining the excitement of Formula 1 with the importance of STEAM education, MoneyGram and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team hope to make a lasting impact on students, helping them visualize future careers in fields that drive technological progress.
As Greg Hall, MoneyGram CMO, put it: “Our partnership with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team goes beyond just supporting the team on the track – it’s about expanding access to the sport and creating meaningful opportunities for our customers, fans and communities. It’s been thrilling to see the creativity and innovation students brought to the table through Ayao’s Assignment – and who knows, we might have a future F1 Team Principal or engineer sitting in this room today.”