Formula Student: driving passion for the automotive sector

Automotive needs to bring new talent into the industry, and one of the best ways to do that is to encourage a new generation through competition.

Formula Student is a global engineering event and over two decades has become one of the largest and most prestigious competitions in the engineering and motorsports world. Over 500 teams from around the world participate each year.

The competition provides students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and racing a single-seater formula racing car, as well as a chance to showcase their skills to potential employers.

History lesson

Launched in the United Kingdom in 1998 by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers  to promote careers in engineering and technology, the first competition was held at the home of the British Grand Prix, Silverstone. In the beginning 37 teams from universities across Europe participated, and since then, the competition has expanded to other countries, including the United States, Germany, Australia, and Japan, attracting more teams, and gaining popularity with each passing year.

The competition rules have evolved over time to keep pace with technological advancements, and teams are now required to develop a business case for their car, in addition to designing and building it. Teams are also judged on their engineering design, cost analysis, and presentation skills, among other things. This provides students with valuable experience in project management, teamwork, communication, and technical skills, which are highly sought after by employers. The competition has also evolved to include EV technology and a self-driving class which brings in many new challenges for teams and possible career opportunities.

And you don’t have to be based on campus to take part. The Open University, a leading distance-learning institution, has had several teams attempt to participate in Formula Student over the years.

Remote learning by its very nature has made it challenging to compete in a hands-on competition like this, the rise of remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more feasible and another desirable skill to master for any future engineer. As a result, a new team called Mosquito Motor Sport has emerged, made up of mature students with various industry skills spread across the UK and a few in Europe. They are currently working on an electric single-seater to take to Silverstone, and it’ll be interesting to see how they fare in this highly competitive arena.

Open to all

One of the unique aspects of Formula Student is that it is not just a competition for university students. The event attracts participants from various backgrounds, and there are ways for individuals outside of universities to get involved. Many teams struggle with mechanical skills, which is where individuals with expertise in the motor trade can come in as advisors or mentors. This provides an opportunity for the younger generation to learn more about the industry while gaining valuable experience in a highly competitive environment and older more experienced individuals to share some of their knowledge.

Formula Student is an essential platform for the future of engineering, providing students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn technical and soft skills, and network with potential employers.

As the world moves towards a hybrid working model, these skills will become increasingly essential, making Formula Student more relevant than ever. It’s a highly competitive and respected competition that continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of engineers and designers.