The Formula Student challenge

As a student, taking part in Formula Student gives you the chance to demonstrate your technical, engineering design, and manufacturing skills.

You will also learn important lessons on team working, time management, project management, budgeting and presentation: all things that any prospective employer will be looking for.

Formula Student graduates also find that the professionalism they gain as practising engineers means they are well equipped for their future engineering careers.

Your team is tasked to produce a prototype for a single-seat race car for autocross or sprint racing, and present it to a hypothetical manufacturing firm. The car must be low in cost, easy to maintain, and reliable, with high performance in terms of its acceleration, braking, and handling qualities. During the competition your team must demonstrate the logic behind your proposal and must be able to demonstrate that it can support a viable business model for both parties.

Each team goes through a rigorous testing process.

Static Events:

Design, Cost and Sustainability, and Business Presentation Judging
Technical and Safety Scrutineering
Tilt Test
Brake and Noise Test

Dynamic Events:

Skid Pad (Figure of 8)
Sprint
Acceleration
Endurance
Fuel Economy

Teams are judged by experienced industry specialists. Find out more about the judges, how you can get involved as a volunteer or judge and read the judges' advice on the Learn to Win blog.

Formula Student helped me a great deal. I learned an awful lot; it is hugely valued within the industry.

Andrew Shovlin Chief Race Engineer, Mercedes AMG
Petronas F1 Team