Kingston University student impresses Formula One engine manufacturer Mercedes HPP at Silverstone competition

Posted Wednesday 16 August 2023

Adam Kleyn in the 2023 Formula Student car

Kingston University mechanical engineering student Adam Kleyn is preparing for an interview with Mercedes HPP after making an impression on the engine manufacturer at this year's Formula Student Competition, held at the world-famous Silverstone race circuit.

Adam was head of electronics for the Kingston Racing team this year and his dream is to work for a Formula One team. Mercedes HPP manufacture the engines for the Mercedes Formula One team where Lewis Hamilton has won six of his world championships.

Adam explained what first drew him to studying engineering. "I found a love for building cars when I purchased my first car, which was a non-runner that I rebuilt from the ground up," he said. "In rebuilding this car, I learned a great deal, and the car left my ownership practically a new vehicle, with no expense spared, and many pioneering retrofits of my own design. Thanks to this car, I knew that I wanted to put my time into learning the skillset of a mechanical engineer."

After completing his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Kingston, Adam decided to continue his studies at the University and studied a masters in the same field.

The engineering facilities at the Roehampton Vale Campus were key in Adam's decision to chose to study at Kingston University. He also has a growing small mechanics business and wanted to continue pursuing his hobby of building cars so being close to his home in Staines, Surrey was also a deciding factor.

Adam Kleyn

Taking part in the Formula Student competition, which sees students at Kingston build their own race car every year has been the highlight of Adam's time at the University. "The competition has allowed me to apply my electrical skills by fabricating the loom for this year's race car, as well as stripping down last year's engine, and creating a fantastically designed car," he said. "Formula Student also introduced me to a team of fantastic like-minded, talented engineers, who I was able to share my skills with and learn from. The whole Kingston Racing team are a group of people I highly respect and will never forget."

Adam's ambition has always been to work with a Formula One team so the opportunity with Mercedes is an extremely exciting one. The engineering and innovation it takes to put together an F1 race car is something that Adam is particularly passionate about and a motivating factor behind him wanting to work for a team like this.

Senior engineering lecturer and academic lead for Formula Student Patrick Sheen praised Adam's efforts during his time at Kingston University. "Student's getting scouted is always a lovely surprise but it's especially great to see Adam get noticed for his incredible work," he said. "He has been an invaluable asset to the team this year and I've been lucky enough to know him since he started at Kingston four years ago. Mercedes HPP are fortunate to have found such a kind, dedicated and smart future colleague whom I have no doubt will impress them for years to come."

Adam will now prepare for his interview for a fulltime role at Mercedes HPP in November.