Formula Student has long been a highlight in the calendar of the young engineering scene: Students take on complete responsibility – from the initial CAD design and financial planning to the presentation to a jury of experts from the automotive and supplier industry. Tests are carried out in a wide variety of disciplines, with 1,000 points up for grabs: classic acceleration races, complex driving maneuvers, but also concepts for autonomous racing cars.

“This week is the culmination of a year's worth of work. The car is in top condition and we're competing against the best international teams,” says Luca Reichenfelser from the TUfast team at the Technical University of Munich. A few meters away, the TU Darmstadt team is in a flurry of activity: “We have to go for inspection in a minute and something isn't working on the car,” one of the students calls out excitedly, turning back to the car.

Freudenberg has been an official partner of the FSG since January 2025. “Our goal is to get young talent excited about Freudenberg at an early stage and to show them the innovative power of our group of companies,” explains Patricia Schweikert, who is responsible for German personnel marketing at Corporate HR and heads the Formula Student project. “The partnership is not only intended to increase our visibility as an employer, but also to showcase our product diversity – from seals and surface coatings to automation solutions. ”

The project is supported by numerous business groups: Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, Freudenberg Chemical Specialities, Freudenberg Technology Innovation, and Freudenberg & Co. KG. Each unit contributes specific expertise, whether it be materials expertise, simulation technology, or automotive applications.

Freudenberg provides particularly close support as a sponsor to two German racing teams: DART Racing from TU Darmstadt and TUfast Racing from TU Munich. Both universities are among the technology group's focus universities. Back in the spring, the teams had the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes in Weinheim and Munich. They met Freudenberg experts, discussed technical challenges, and worked on improvements for their race cars.

One highlight was the “Engineering Design Event.” The two teams presented their concepts—from the chassis and aerodynamics to the electrical systems—to a jury of Freudenberg engineers. Every decision was critically scrutinized. “It was like a dress rehearsal,” one student reported enthusiastically. “We were able to show what we are capable of – and at the same time benefit enormously from the feedback.”

When the starting lights turn green at the Hockenheimring in August, the teams will not only be representing speed, but also months of detailed work, precision, and team spirit. For Freudenberg, the partnership with Formula Student is a double win: it showcases the company's innovative strength and builds bridges to young talent – the engineers of tomorrow.

“Formula Student is pure technology, passion, and teamwork – and a great opportunity for us to get to know the next generation of talent.” – Patricia Schweikert

The ETH Zurich team won the overall competition at the FSG 2025.