Formula Student (short: FS) is an international engineering design competition for students where teams engage in the development of innovation, foster team working & project management skills ans gain useful experience for their upcoming professional life. Each team builds a single seat formula- style racecar with which they compete  in different disciplines against teams from all over the world. The competition is not won solely with the fastest car, but rather with the best overall package of construction, performance, and financial and sales planning

During the so called “dynamic disciplines” the teams need to proof their engineering competency with a car that features excellent driving characteristics including acceleration, braking and handling. With the “static disciplines” the students proof their knowledge by presenting the engineering design of the car. Furthermore, the engage into a role play where they pretend to be car manufacturer and present their financial planning and business concept to a jury.

The overall challenge the teams face is to compose a complete package consisting of a well constructed racecar and a sales plan that best matches these given criteria. The decision is made by a jury of experts from the motorsport, automotive and supplier industries.

After the kick-off of the competition in the US in the 1980’s, the concept spread across the globe. Currently, more than 1000 teams worldwide participate in over 20 competitions across all continents.