Atlassian Williams F1 Team and Komatsu expand Engineering Academy through Formula Student collaboration

May 28, 2026 -- The hunt for the next generation of exceptional engineers is on as Atlassian Williams F1 Team and Komatsu launch the third edition of the Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy.

The global program aims to recruit the world’s most talented young engineers, and supercharge their career ambitions through e-learning, visits to cutting edge manufacturing facilities, and mentorship from experts at industry-leading machinery manufacturer Komatsu and iconic F1 team Williams.

From 2026, the Academy will be run in collaboration with Formula Student, a leading engineering competition for university students, and with the support of Formula SAE, its sister competition for students around the world. Academy members will be selected from the competition’s finalist pools, both at Silverstone in the UK and virtually through global assessment centers.

The Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy is a staple of Williams’ grid-leading Early Careers offering and is entering its third year. The team is committed to investing in the talent of the future through their industrial placements, graduate programs, and work experience. Today, 12 percent of all staff members are from Early Careers. Komatsu supports community-based programs around the world designed to attract and train new generations of engineering and technical talent.

Formula Student UK finalists can apply for the academy from June 8th. All other Formula Student and FSAE competitors should stay tuned for virtual applications later this year.

Ann Perrins, Chief People Officer, Atlassian Williams F1 Team:

“Here at Atlassian Williams F1 Team, we know that our success depends on the talent of the future. Programmes like the Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy give us a unique opportunity to identify talent and accelerate their rise whether that’s in motorsport, industrial engineering, or machinery. We look forward to meeting the finalists at Silverstone and virtually later this year.”

Takuya Imayoshi, President and CEO, Komatsu:

“Over the past 105 years, Komatsu has prided itself on developing the technical expertise of our people around the world. Our partnership with Atlassian Williams F1 Team is designed to attract and develop the next generation of diverse technical talent as we continue growing and delivering innovative solutions for customers around the world. The Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy is a great opportunity for young engineers to fast track their career – we look forward to seeing this amazing talent on display.”

Dan Jones, Chief Judge, IMechE Formula Student:

“Since its inception, the goal of Formula Student has been to provide opportunities for young engineers to develop their skills and gain experience to better prepare them for their careers in industry. For many competitors, including myself, this has helped in achieving their dream of working in F1. This collaboration with the Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy aligns perfectly with the competition's goal and is an amazing chance for our student competitors to take an invaluable next step toward working at the highest levels of motorsport. Best of luck to all applicants!”

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About Komatsu  

Komatsu is an industry-leading manufacturer and supplier of equipment, technologies and services for the construction, materials handling, mining, industrial and forestry markets. For over a century, Komatsu equipment and services have been used by companies worldwide to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests, and create technology and consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations, tapping into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimising performance.  

To learn more, visit www.komatsu.jp/en/williamsracing

About Atlassian Williams F1 Team

Atlassian Williams F1 Team is one of the world’s most iconic Formula 1 teams. Founded in 1977 by Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ World Championships, seven Drivers’ World Championships and 114 Grand Prix races – making it one of the three most-successful teams in history. Based in Grove, Oxfordshire and competing at the pinnacle of motorsport, Williams continues to build for the future of Formula 1 through world-class engineering, racing excellence and a commitment to bringing fans closer to the sport than ever before.

For access to hi-res imagery via the Williams Media Portal please email: media@williamsf1.com