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In Formula Student (FS), students develop their own formula racing car – from the first sketch to the final component. The competition facilitates practical experience in design, production, and the economic aspects of modern automotive engineering.
The teams compete in the classes FS Combustion, FS Electric, and FS Driverless. In various disciplines, the students go head-to-head with the vehicles they have designed themselves – from acceleration on the straights to precision in narrow bends.
From slalom to speedracing: technology counts, the team decides
Whether it’s on the skid pad where the cars have to navigate a figure of eight made of cones as quickly and flawlessly as possible, or during the endurance run that puts the speed of the cars to the test over many kilometers: innovative spirit and teamwork are always in focus. Because only those who are convincing on all levels will end up at the top.
Business meets up-and-coming talent: the path to the winner’s podium
In addition to active events, there are also stationary challenges to be overcome. Not only must the teams submit a multi-page plan of their vehicle, but they also need to answer questions relating to costs and business planning. Overall performance will be assessed at the end of the event by a jury of experts from motorsport, automotive, and supplier industries.
We have been a Formula Student sponsor for many years. We are currently supporting two teams: the Technical University of Munich’s TUfast Racing Team and Schanzer Racing of the Technical University of Ingolstadt.
Our sponsorship involves providing the teams with financial support as well as resources, such as access to the Audi test tracks. Our judges, who come from various fields, also evaluate the students’ technical and business concepts, as well as design perspectives.
For us, Formula Student is an ideal opportunity to get to know talented students and get them interested in Audi. Because we believe that the path to the future is one that has to be taken together. With experience, curiosity, expertise, courage, and creativity. We are proud to be part of this fantastic community.
Our sponsored teams, TUfast e.V. and Schanzer Racing Electric e.V. , with their vehicles at the Hockenheimring.
Our sponsored teams, TUfast e.V. and Schanzer Racing Electric e.V. , with their vehicles at the Hockenheimring.
Lea Schwarz, Head of Development Functional Architecture, FS Judge Design Engineering and former competitor
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What makes Formula Student special is that the students are responsible for organizing themselves as a racing team and can gain real-life experience of this. They go through the entire development process and need to keep an eye on every aspect: from construction to production, to testing and actual race experience. Basically, they operate like a mid-size company. This also involves developing their professional skills and working as a team.
From FS student to FS judge
I took part in FS as a student. Over the past ten years, it has become even more professional. This is closely linked to the advances in technology and the increasing digitalization. But one thing remains the same: taking part in Formula Student offers students the best development opportunities in their studies. What they experience during this time is priceless. And I would advise anyone who has already completed a season to take part a second time. It’s a totally different experience. You know the basic processes, have learned from mistakes, can do many things much better, and take on even more responsibility.
Andreas Böhnert, Coordinator Value Engineering Powertrain, FS Judge Design Engineering and former competitor
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As the Design Engineering Judge, in addition to analyzing the car, my main focus is on the development of the students. What exactly have they done? Why did they choose this solution for their car? How well thought out is the concept? It’s not about the university’s budget or facilities. For us, the most important thing is overall technical understanding and how the team works together. FS is about more than just knowledge. It’s about the interaction in the team and the resulting dynamic.
Personal contact within the community
Independently of the actual evaluation, we are on hand to have open exchange during the event. Here, team members can ask where they can make improvements in terms of technology as well as personally the next time. I think that this aspect of Formula Student is extremely valuable. We put the official part of judging to one side and have a personal conversation. I might say something like: “I was very impressed. Could you imagine doing an internship at Audi or writing your thesis there?” This is the unique benefit of this competition: we observe emerging talents in the areas of the future relevant for us in an authentic environment – and the students get direct, incredibly personal contact with the company.
Hannes Näther, dual master’s program Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence, Former Formula Student competitor
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During my dual bachelor’s program at Volkswagen, I spent two seasons working on Formula Student with Wolfsburg technical college’s team. What I learned there on a small scale, I am now able to put into perfect practice in my work. That is what was ideal for me: I learned things that weren’t part of my engineering studies. This really benefits me now. The tools I was using are the same ones that I need today. This means that I bring skills beyond those that come from what you learn at college – and that is of interest for many employers.
From Formula Student to master’s program at Audi
Apart from that, the nature of FS also means that you come into contact with many companies. I wasn’t really aware of how big the whole thing is or the potential opportunities beforehand. It was just the technology that appealed to me; I only became aware of the fact that the industry is also very interested in attracting young people once I was involved. I had always been a big fan of Audi, so I spent a lot of time at the Audi tent, and someone did actually speak to me. Now I can say that Formula Student not only provided me with many valuable skills, but it also enabled me to do my master’s program at Audi.
Jost Leiße, dual bachelor’s program in Aircraft and Vehicle Informatics at the Technical University of Ingolstadt, Formula Student competitor, Subteam Electronics
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I moved from North Rhine-Westphalia to Ingolstadt for my dual studies – so I was also interested in meeting new people. But primarily I have always been interested in motorsport, and particularly in Formula 1. So, when Schanzer Racing held an information evening at the start of the first semester, I was there. I also think that it’s cool that FS enables you to act as an engineer during your studies. And in a fairly small team in which you can have a big impact.
The big picture in view
A wide variety of faculties come together in our team – these are divided into eight subteams: Electronics, High Voltage, Powertrain, Vehicle Dynamics, Aero, Chassis, Business, and Driverless. This interdisciplinary collaboration teaches many lessons. For example, when I’m working with a mechanic, I automatically learn a great deal outside of electronics that I would never learn in my studies. This means that we all benefit from each other and gain a much more extensive understanding of the car. With this interdisciplinary knowledge, I could now stand by the car and spend an hour explaining what the parts are and how they work. The whole thing is great fun. And for me as a fan of motorsport, Formula Student is an experience like no other!
