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From design to track: the amazing innovation story behind Formula Student!
Formula Student is an annual student engineering competition in which student teams from around the world design, build, test and race small formula racing cars. In this competition, participating vehicles will be evaluated based on a variety of criteria. The competition is sponsored by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and uses the same rules as the original Formula SAE, with supplementary regulations.
Category definition
Formula Student has three entry categories to promote progressive learning:
Formula Student Class (formerly Class 1)
This is the main event, where teams compete in cars they design and build. Teams are scored according to six categories and must pass a review by judges to compete in the dynamic event. Typically there are 100 to 120 teams in this category.
Concept Class (formerly Class 2)
This is a concept category, designed for teams with Class 1 vehicle plan. It can include any completed parts or work, but not necessary. Teams are scored based on commercial presentation, cost and design. Schools can participate in both the FS Class and Concept Class categories, allowing less experienced students to practice before moving on to the full Formula Student Class.
FS-AI
The FS-AI category was launched in 2019, specifically for autonomous vehicles.
Class 1A (before 2012)
This is an alternative fuels category that emphasizes the environmental impact of the race. Last year's Class 1 vehicles can be re-entered and redesigned, allowing students to focus on carbon emissions issues without having to redesign the chassis and ancillary equipment.
Class 2A (before 2012)
This is a concept category designed for teams with Class 1A vehicle programs. It can include any physical parts or completed project work, but this is not required.
Grading criteria
Vehicles are rated by industry experts based on the following criteria:
Static events
Engineering Design (150 points)
Cost and Manufacturing (115 points)
Business Presentation (115 points)
Lap time simulation (20 minutes)
Technical inspection (including 6 tests): safety, chassis, noise, tilt, braking and technology (no points)
Dynamic events
Skidpad (figure eight) (75 points)
1km self-driving/short distance race (100 points)
75m acceleration (75 points)
22km endurance race (250 points) and fuel economy (100 points)
The final winning team will be the team with the highest score, up to a maximum of 1000 points.
Historical evolution
The first Formula Student was held in 1998 at the Automobile Industry Research Association (Mira). The race was held at the NEC Birmingham for the next three years, at the karting track at the Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome from 2002 to 2006 and at Silverstone Circuit from 2007. The dynamic event has been run at Luffield and Brooklands corners, and in 2012 it used Copse corner and the pit straight of the National Circuit.
To promote British motorsport’s inclusivity for LGBT+ fans, staff and drivers, Formula Student and Racing Pride formed a partnership in 2019. Additionally, the FS-AI category for driverless vehicles was launched in the same year.
Award record
Maximum number of wins
Supporters
Honorary Patron: Ross Brawn (former Mercedes F1 captain)
Formula Student’s ambassadors include David Brabham, Paddy Lowe, Leena Gade, Dallas Campbell, Mike Gascoyne, The Lord Drayson, Baron Drayson (former Science Minister) and James Allison.
Reference materials
Formula Student's mysterious innovation and design process once again verified the potential and creativity of the student team in technology and management. This is not just a competition, but an opportunity to learn and grow, allowing future engineers to explore and realize their ideas. Are you ready to face new challenges and innovations on the future track?
