Upgrade - What is the Formula Student Competition?

Grant Lockhead
Dec 21, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Oct 20

What is the Formula Student Competition?

Formula Student (FS) is a globally renowned engineering competition that challenges university students to design, build, test, and race a single-seater race car. Organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in the UK and inspired by the Formula SAE competition in the United States, FS provides students with a unique opportunity to develop real-world engineering, business, and teamwork skills.

A race car maneuvers through orange cones on a track, driver in a white helmet. Overcast sky, blurred spectators in the background. — Upgrade Spherical Bearing Master Cylinders Stopping this FS Race Car

The Concept

The competition simulates the scenario of a student engineering team developing a prototype race car for a fictional manufacturing company. This company seeks to evaluate the car’s potential as a high-performance vehicle for the amateur racing market. Participants must demonstrate not only technical expertise but also project management, innovation, and business acumen. The ultimate goal is to balance speed, performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while adhering to strict safety regulations.

Race car navigating an orange cone course on a paved track. Driver in helmet focused. Blurred spectators in the background. — Upgrade Motorsport Bias Bar Brake Adjuster balancing the Formula Student Race Car

The Structure

Formula Student is composed of static and dynamic events:

Static Events:
- Design Presentation: Teams explain the engineering principles behind their car’s design to a panel of industry experts. Judges assess innovation, analysis, and practical application.
- Cost and Manufacturing Analysis: Teams evaluate the car’s manufacturing feasibility and cost-efficiency, simulating a real-world production scenario.
- Business Plan Presentation: Teams pitch their car as a marketable product, outlining the target market, production strategy, and potential profitability.
Dynamic Events:
- Acceleration: Tests the car’s ability to accelerate from a standstill over a short distance, typically 75 meters.
- Skid Pad: Assesses cornering and handling by navigating a figure-eight course.
- Autocross: Measures the car's agility and performance on a winding track.
- Endurance: A rigorous test of durability, reliability, and fuel efficiency over a 22 km track.

In addition, Formula Student Electric and Driverless categories push the boundaries of sustainability and autonomous vehicle technology.

Metal car brake pedal assembly with dual reservoirs and black hoses on a light concrete floor. Features "Upgrade Motorsport" text. — Upgrade Motorsport Bias Adjuster and Spherical Bearing Master Cylinders FS Brake Pedal Design

Global Reach

Formula Student competitions occur worldwide under various banners, including Formula SAE in the US, Formula Bharat in India, Formula Student Germany and Formula Student Korea. These events attract participants from hundreds of universities, creating a global platform for cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.

Team working on a race car chassis under a blue tent. One person holds a panel with logos; another kneels. Pink vests say "CREW." Background shows blurred track. — Donghyun Yoo - Team Leader & Team - **HALLA FLETA FORMULA Republic of Korea**

Benefits for Participants

FS equips students with valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking while emphasising the importance of collaboration in multidisciplinary teams. Students gain practical experience in engineering design, manufacturing, testing, and financial planning. Moreover, the competition serves as a bridge to industry, with many participants securing jobs in automotive, aerospace, and related sectors.

Industry Impact

Formula Student is widely regarded as a talent pipeline for engineering industries. Sponsors and partners, including major automotive companies and technology firms, often scout for top talent among participants. The competition drives innovation by exposing students to cutting-edge technologies like electric propulsion systems, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight materials.

People in black jackets near race cars on a sunny track. "FLETÄ IS BACK" visible on car wing. Cones and mountains in the background. — Upgrade Motorsport Supports Future Motorsport Engineers

Conclusion

Formula Student is more than a competition; it is a comprehensive learning experience that prepares the engineers of tomorrow for real-world challenges. By combining technical rigor with creativity and entrepreneurial thinking, FS shapes the future of engineering and motorsport.

Racecar driver maneuvers through cones on a track. Text reads "FORMULA STUDENT: LATEST NEWS, RESULTS, INFORMATION AND MORE." — Get involved with Formula Student (FS)

Upgrade Motorsport Supports the Formula Student Project

Donghyun Yoo - Team Leader - HALLA FLETA FORMULA

Industry-University Cooperation Foundation - Republic of Korea
Halla University
Team: FLETA FORMULA
Competition: Formula Student Korea 2024
Race 1: Formula Student Korea 2024
Stadium: E-Mobility Research Center, KATECH(Korea Automotive Technology Institute)
Race 2: 2024 KFGP STUDENT
Stadium: KIC International StadiumCircuit

Quote from Donghyun Yoo - Team Leader - HALLA FLETA FORMULA

"Upgrade Motorsports' lightweight and high-quality spherical bearing master cylinders and bias adjuster have completely exceeded our expectations. The precision engineering and the attention to detail are evident in every component. The installation was straightforward, and the performance improvement was immediate — pedal feel and responsiveness are at a new level. These spherical bearing master cylinders are super lightweight and provide outstanding reliability, giving me the confidence I needed."