Oxford University Racing puts student engineering to the test at Formula Student 2026

After months of designing, building and testing their latest Formula Student car, Oxford University Racing (OUR) took to the track at Silverstone for Formula Student UK 2026, the annual competition that challenges university teams to design, manufacture and race a single-seat racing car.

This year's car incorporated several significant engineering developments, including a new single electric motor by YASA, redesigned lighter chassis, carbon-fibre nose cone, updated suspension, lighter battery system, mechanical differential and new high-voltage electronics. The improvements reflected months of student-led design, manufacturing and testing across multiple engineering disciplines.

Throughout the competition, the team competed in a series of dynamic and static events, while also presenting their engineering, business and design decisions to industry experts.

Oxford finished 23rd in the overall standings, including placing 11th fastest in the Sprint race – the team were one of a handful of UK Universities to successfully pass Scrutineering with an electric vehicle, and enter the main race events.

Beyond the competition itself, Formula Student offers students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to a real-world engineering challenge, developing technical, project management and teamwork skills while working under demanding deadlines.

Dr Ryan Walker said:

''It was a fantastic event for the students, building an electric racing car in 12 months is extremely difficult – as evidenced by the number of Universities that failed to pass scrutineering. It is a testament to the students that not only did the car pass all of the safety requirements, but ran fast in the dynamic events. We look forward to returning in 2027!’'

The team brought together students from across the University, each contributing expertise in areas including vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, electronics, manufacturing, business and operations.

Joshua Ampomah said:

‘‘Passing scrutineering in time to race the Sprint was a first in Oxford University Racing's history, and a significant step forward for the team. We went on to finish 11th, ahead of several strong, well-established teams. None of this would have been possible without our faculty advisor, Dr Ryan Walker, the Department of Engineering Science, and all our sponsors — our thanks to each of them.’’

Thomas Turner said:

‘‘This was a significant improvement on last years placement of 36th and 46th the year before that marking us as one of the fastest rising teams in the competition. Furthermore, being the 3rd fastest UK EV in the Sprint showed our pace which we only expect to improve as the car undergoes more testing.’’

As preparations begin for next season, the experience gained at Silverstone will help shape the team's next generation of engineering innovations. She said:

Alexandra Ampomah, covered the media, capturing the important moments. ''Being able to capture these key moments for the team and share them with alumni, prospective students, and others was wonderful, and we as a team could not be prouder of our accomplishments this year.’'