Welcome to the

Tyler James Alexander Scholarship

A unique scholarship that looks to the future of Next Gen Racing by embracing the best of the hands-on racing of the past. In honour of Tyler James Alexander (TJA) - motor racing engineer, innovator, visionary, uncomplicated, straight - talking lover of the sport, and a founding father, in 1963, of the McLaren F1 Team. 

To look to the future with optimism and enthusiasm exploring and finding new ways of thinking, doing and achieving. 

• Team-Work

• Co-operation

• Collaboration

• Focus

• Diligence in all aspects of life 

• Courage in the face of challenge and failure

• Optimism in all circumstances 

Tyler changed lives, his mentoring and guidance were fundamental to the successful careers of many young, talented, but often inexperienced people who stepped into the motor racing arena, with dreams that could easily have been crushed by the tough reality of the sport. Those in whom he saw the spark of greatness benefited from Tyler’s commitment to them – his talent, his vision, his dedication to perfection, his refusal to let failure crush his thirst for victory, and his supreme ability to build a race and Championship winning car. 

While honouring Tyler's legacy, the scholarship emerges as a distinct force, moulding a new cohort of professionals poised for the challenges of motorsports. It serves as a conduit for the transmission of knowledge, instilling a passion for excellence and ensuring the enduring vibrancy of the motorsport legacy in the hands of motivated individuals.

The TJA Scholarship, therefore, becomes a catalyst for the continuous evolution and triumphs within the dynamic world of motorsports.

• A Scholarship that looks to the future – Next Gen Racing – by embracing the best of the hands-on racing of the past. 

• The continuation of Tyler's personal commitment to mentoring the next generation of motorsport engineers.

• Opportunities for hands-on experience with a 3 month Internship at McLaren Racing, in their Heritage department, and an opportunity for hands on experience with Team Penske in the US. McLaren and Team Penske are both global motor racing giants representing the best of motor sport and the personal values of excellence, commitment and outstanding team work led by exceptional industry leaders.

• Offers dis-advantaged students the opportunity for financial support while studying at the highly prestigious Cranfield University. 

• A 360° scholarship that offers an opportunity to study for an MSc degree with a full immersion internship. 

“Although there are many things that aren't great in the overall kaleidoscope of chaos that you sometimes find in motor racing, I would do it all over again.”

Team Work

Personal Communication

Mutual Respect

Integrity in a Highly Competitive Arena

Remaining Calm Under Pressure

The Art of Overcoming Failure

Inner Resilience

Diversity of talent within motorsport

Minimise materials and waste for a sustainable future

Use technology and software to drive innovation

Process through Research & Development

Develop a high performance mindset

Data analytics for efficient analysis and decision-making

Embracing next generation technologies

About

Tyler James Alexander

Tyler James Alexander (TJA), a pioneering figure in motorsports, co-founded the McLaren F1 Team in 1963, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. In a career spanning over 50 years, Tyler experienced the highs and lows of motor racing—triumphs, disasters, pressure, overcoming failures, and personal losses. As a passionate team player with a keen sense of humour, his "Tyler-isms" became part of racing folklore.

Born in 1940 in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Tyler's perfectionism and motivational skills led McLaren to Can-Am and Indy 500 victories. Notable engineers like Adrian Newey and Ross Brawn passed through his stable, acknowledging his mentorship. Tyler's legacy endures through a vast photo library and engineering notes. His impact extends beyond racing, influencing innovations in healthcare, defence, and more.

On 7th January 2016 Tyler died, but his spirit lives on through his huge and important library of photos (he was a keen photographer), and an engineering legacy of notes, documents and drawings that reflect not just one man's achievements, but the arc of evolution and development of international motor racing.

Register your

Interest

Do you more information about the TJA Scholarship? Register your interest today, and we'll get in touch as soon as possible to provide more details. Your journey into the world motorsports is just a step away!

The Tyler James Alexander Scholarship are committed to protecting your privacy. We ensure your personal details are safe, and will not be sold to third parties. GDPR compliant.