Kota Kinabalu: Nathan Patrick Ma’s journey reads like a dream come true. At 23, he achieved what many could only imagine, landing a coveted internship with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team, one of the most prestigious teams in Formula 1 history.
Nathan, who is from Luyang, and currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), was the only Sabahan among seven students selected from over 100 candidates at UTP for the internship.
“It was an unforgettable experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said of his seven-month internship, which took place in 2024 at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 headquarters in Brackley, located approximately 113km northwest of London.
Geared Up for the Challenge“It was my first time in the UK, and in Europe, as a whole. I didn’t know the other interns before that, so living and working together for seven months was something new.
The environment was challenging at first. It was fast-paced, competitive, and completely different from anything I had experienced, yet everyone was very supportive,” he reflected.
Assigned to the Powertrain and Test & Development division, Nathan’s role centred on testing PETRONAS-supplied lubricants for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, where he also had a chance to work with PETRONAS Lubricants International based in Italy.
“They expected me to learn quickly, even though I didn’t have prior technical working experience. Thanks to my colleagues’ guidance, I managed to exceed their expectations,” he said.
His supervisor played a significant role in his growth. Nathan described him as having a structured yet empowering approach. He would lay out the problem, guiding him step-by-step, and then give him the freedom to explore solutions independently.
“He gave me the chance to try new things and figure out what worked best,” he added.
His responsibilities included conducting tests on transmission oils and analysing lubricant performance across various mechanical components and materials. This work deepened his understanding of lubrication, mechanical systems, chemistry, and materials science.
He also applied data analysis techniques to interpret test results and provide technical insights to the team.
Lessons Beyond the LabOne thing that surprised Nathan most about the team was their openness to feedback, even when it came from interns.
"Sharing feedback is encouraged. It’s a culture that values improvement and pushes you to grow,” he noted.
Outside the lab, he had the opportunity to attend the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, meet F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and George Russell as well as team principal Toto Wolff, and explore Europe with fellow interns.
He also picked up some British habits.
“Almost every day, sometimes several times a day, everyone would stop for tea. Seven months of that, and now I still drink tea daily,” he laughed.
Even his leisure time reflected his analytical side. Nathan enjoys story-driven and strategy-based video games, which he believes help develop problem-solving skills and the ability to understand different perspectives, both of which proved useful during the internship.
The Moment That Changed EverythingNathan, a Sino Dusun whose mother hails from Kampung Toboh, Tambunan, and whose father is from Luyang, began his studies at UTP in 2020 as a recipient of the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge Education Sponsorship (PESP). Being a PESP scholar not only enabled him to pursue his degree at UTP but also positioned him to be considered for international opportunities such as the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 internship.
“Without the support of the PESP, I wouldn’t have had the platform to study at UTP and eventually take part in this global internship. I’m deeply grateful to PETRONAS for the trust and investment in students like me,” Nathan shared.
Each year, a group of selected UTP students is shortlisted for the internship based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement.
Nathan remembers the moment he received the internship offer vividly. He was in his room, casually checking messages, when the acceptance email landed in his inbox.
“I told my roommate first, because he was right there,” he recalled with a laugh. “Then, of course, I updated my parents straight after.”Back at UTP, Nathan was actively involved in various campus events, as well as clubs and societies like the Rotaract Club of the university.
His team designed and built a game-playing robot from scratch, eventually sending it to Penang to compete against other universities. He was also active in societies including the chess club and Rotaract, which further nurtured his critical thinking and communication skills.
An Eye-Opening ExperienceHis family back in Sabah were his strongest supporters from the start.
“They encouraged me to go, knowing I would gain so much from it, and they were right. I grew not only technically but also personally,” he said.
“This programme opened my eyes to the possibilities ahead. I hope more students will take the chance if they get it. Maintain strong grades, get involved in meaningful projects, and show you can work well with others,” he advised.
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 internship programme, a collaboration between PETRONAS and the eight-time World Constructors’ Champions, has been running since 2011. Over the years, more than 80 UTP students have walked the halls of Brackley, each carrying the hopes of a nation and returning with the experience of a lifetime.
Since 1975, more than 40,000 students nationwide have received PETRONAS education sponsorships.
