A Formula 1 class isn’t something you’d expect to find on your schedule at Penn State. But thanks to the Students Teaching Students (STS) program, undergrads have the chance to explore the world of high-speed racing through a course created and led entirely by their peers.

Officially backed by a faculty sponsor, the course has been running since 2020. It has become a standout in the STS lineup for its consistency, popularity, and the way it combines academics with personal passion.

“It’s the largest and longest-running in the STS program,” student teacher Jason Agnoli said.

Co-taught by Agnoli and Ayaan Umar, the one-credit course covers the fundamentals and complexities of Formula 1. Students learn how race-day decisions are made, how teams operate on a global scale, and how the sport’s influence goes beyond the track into media, marketing, and business.

Both instructors took the course as students before stepping into teaching roles. Rather than waiting for someone else to lead it, they reached out and asked to keep the class going. Since then, they’ve worked together to update the curriculum, bring in fresh topics, and tie content to ongoing Formula 1 events.

They split lecture slides and grading responsibilities, creating a class environment that feels both collaborative and organized. Their teaching approach encourages discussion while still maintaining structure.

As Agnoli prepares to graduate, Umar plans to continue teaching and will bring on two new instructors to support the growing course and keep things moving.

Their different backgrounds help balance the content. Agnoli has followed Formula 1 since 2017 and continues to watch the races live. His long-term connection to the sport gives him the ability to use real-world examples without needing to constantly look things up.

“It’s important to stay neutral when I’m teaching,” Agnoli said. “But my favorite team is Ferrari.”

His personal experience adds weight to his lessons. He recalls specific races, team dynamics, and decisions that impacted outcomes, offering students a clear understanding of how strategy and performance are in real time.

“I’ve seen the races live and remember them clearly, which really helps,” he said.

Umar discovered Formula 1 through Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” and has continued to build his knowledge since then. Taking the class helped him dive deeper into the sport, and teaching it has pushed him even further.

“Now, after taking the class, I’ve learned a decent amount,” Umar said. “I’m learning as I go, both in teaching and in the sport. I’m not on Jason’s level quite yet.”

Teaching a topic they’re both passionate about has been rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges. As students in the class not long ago, both Agnoli and Umar have had to find the right tone in the classroom, especially when teaching peers or friends.

“It’s important to find balance in being a professor and being friends,” Umar said. “Because sometimes mine are my students.”

One of Agnoli’s favorite topics to cover is how Formula 1 compares to other motorsports. He highlights how Formula 1 cars are faster, more advanced, and supported by a massive global audience. Compared to NASCAR or IndyCar, Formula 1 offers a different level of performance and visibility. That contrast helps students better understand what makes the sport so special.

In 2019, Agnoli attended the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. His favorite driver didn’t win due to a penalty, but the atmosphere, speed, and crowd energy all reaffirmed his love for the sport.

Umar, on the other hand, focuses more on race strategy. He breaks down tire selections, pit stop timing, and how teams make split-second decisions that can change the outcome of a race.

Even with the best car, one wrong move can mean falling behind. His lectures emphasize how much behind-the-scenes planning goes into each decision and how much it can impact results.

If they had the chance to create another STS course, Agnoli said he would focus on golf. He has followed the sport for years and even interned with the USGA, so he understands it both from a fan’s perspective and a professional one.

Umar would take a different route and teach a class on fitness. He’s passionate about helping others learn how to lift correctly, stay consistent, and understand the process behind it.

Both of their ideas reflect how teaching this class has impacted them. It has helped them grow not just as instructors, but as people. They’ve learned how to lead, connect with students, and share something they care about in a meaningful way.

The Formula 1 course speaks for itself. It’s well-run, constantly evolving, and continues to grow each semester. It offers something for everyone, regardless of how much you already know about racing.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about the sport, this class is a fun and approachable way to dive into the world of Formula 1.