Mr Nate TANG Tsz-chung

Mr Nate TANG Tsz-chung

Engineer, Mercedes-AMG F1, U.K.
Mechanical Engineering graduate

On the racetrack of life, he discovered his passion for racing cars. He built his own race car and chased his dreams, ultimately becoming a member of a world-class racing team. This is the story of Mr Nate Tang Tsz-chung, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from PolyU. He skilfully blended his academic pursuits with his passion, ushering in his own racing era.

Nate aspired to be a racing driver from a young age. In 2015, he participated in an exchange programme that introduced him to the Formula SAE student competition, igniting the idea of forming a student racing team. Alongside like-minded schoolmates, Nate embraced this challenge as his final year project, intertwining his dreams with his studies. Thus, HKPolyU Racing was born, the first formula racing team established by local university students, comprising individuals specialising in engineering, marketing, design, and more.

The journey from concept to competition was fraught with challenges. Despite facing scepticism, Nate, as team captain, remained steadfast in his determination. “People say it’s impossible to achieve a motorsport dream in Hong Kong; I will prove them wrong.” Every obstacle was conquered not only through perseverance and passion, but also with substantial support: the academic and technical staff at PolyU provided guidance; the Industrial Centre, engineering laboratories, and workshops facilitated manufacturing; and Nate led the team in securing sponsorship, amassing a total of $1 million in funding from various industry organisations and the University. After two years of hard work, the team successfully designed and built Hong Kong’s first formula electric car, which debuted at the Formula Student Electric China (FSEC) event, placing second among all newcomer teams! Their success was a symphony of youth, serving as an inspiring example and epitomising the “pragmatic dreamers” of PolyU.

From university tracks to professional circuits, Nate’s journey has remained unwavering. With a relentless passion for automobiles and exceptional engineering skills, he forged a new path. Today, he proudly serves as an engineer with the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, contributing his expertise to the cutting-edge design of future F1 cars and infusing a touch of Hong Kong’s ingenuity into the world-renowned racing arena. “Physics and equations define engineering, while passion and craftsmanship capture the essence of art.” Even amid the pressures of his role in the U.K., Nate remains deeply committed to mentoring students and the current PolyU E-Formula Racing Team. “Interacting with the juniors feels like conversing with a younger version of myself – a passion that has never faded. Their potential in automotive engineering fuels my inner drive to inspire the next generation.”

Reflecting on his time at PolyU, Nate feels immense gratitude. Those formative years laid a solid foundation for his career, turning his dreams into reality on the racetrack. This journey not only fulfilled his racing aspirations but also inspires PolyU juniors and many dreamers to pursue their passions fearlessly. With courage and determination, what truly remains impossible?

Publishing date: March 2025