FORMULA STUDENT
What is Formula Student?
Each year, Formula Student (FS) challenges university students from around the world to design and build their own single-seat racing car, which is then put to the test at the famous Silverstone Circuit. Formula Student has been run by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers since 1998, and since then, tens of thousands of competitors have come through the competition, with graduates now featuring in every Formula 1 team!
Business Presentation
In the business presentation, teams pitch their car as a viable product to a panel of judges acting as investors, explaining costs, market strategy and why their design would succeed beyond the competition.
Skid Pad
The skid pad event focuses on handling and balance. Drivers navigate a tight figure-of-eight course, showcasing how consistently the car can generate lateral grip.
Acceleration
Acceleration is all about straight-line speed. Teams are judged on how quickly the car can launch and cover a short distance from a standing start.
Sprint
Sprint is a timed autocross run that tests agility and precision. Drivers tackle a technical course that combines tight corners, braking zones and quick direction changes.
Endurance
Endurance is the longest and most demanding dynamic event, putting the car through a long-distance run that tests reliability, efficiency and driver consistency.
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony brings everything together, recognising performance across engineering design, business, static events and on-track results.
FSAI
FSAI focuses on autonomous driving. Teams develop software to allow the car to navigate the course without a driver, combining sensing, control and safety systems.
Formula Student is
- A high performance engineering project.
- An unmatched demonstration of real-world engineering experience for engineering employers and the motorsport industry.
- An intense, ten-month long project teaching students teamwork, business skills, and technical ability.