GCU Racing prepares for Formula Student return at Silverstone

Students from Glasgow Caledonian University have unveiled their latest race car ahead of GCU Racing’s return to the Formula Student competition at Silverstone this summer, where they will compete against teams from across the world.

Taking place from 15 to 19 July, Formula Student is Europe’s largest educational motorsport competition, bringing together more than 100 university teams to design, build and race single-seater racing cars and autonomous vehicles.

Organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the competition is widely recognised across industry as a pathway into careers within motorsport, automotive engineering, aerospace and defence.

GCU Racing heads into this year’s competition looking to build on the progress made in 2025, when the team successfully presented a fully built car for scrutineering for the first time.

After arriving at Silverstone last year, the team worked through almost 30 required fixes before passing two major scrutineering categories: Safety and Chassis. The team also recorded a significant improvement in the Design event, increasing its score from five points in 2024 to 32 points in 2025.

Now entering its fourth year, GCU Racing continues to grow as a student-led initiative, bringing together students from across the University’s academic schools to work in specialist sub-teams including Brakes, Chassis, Electrical, Powertrain, Suspension and Non-Technical operations.

Formula Student challenges students to apply their academic learning in a real-world engineering environment, combining technical innovation with teamwork, project management and problem-solving under pressure.

The competition also includes Formula Student AI, where teams develop the software and systems required for autonomous vehicles. Students are tested on robotics and machine learning challenges including path planning, object detection and vehicle control, skills expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of the automotive industry.

Murray Thomson, Technical Director; and Rhys Miller, Manufacturing Director, for GCU Racing, said: “Formula Student gives employers direct access to some of the brightest emerging engineering talent in the country.

“For students, it is a chance to gain real-world experience in a high-pressure environment, solving complex problems, innovating under pressure and delivering as part of a team. That experience is hugely valued by employers and helps many Formula Student alumni go on to outstanding careers in motorsport, automotive and wider engineering. With the shift to cleaner vehicles, the team has ensured that sustainable fuel is used in the 2026 car.”

Professor Tuleen Boutaleb, Vice-Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, said: “This experience helps students apply their learning in a practical context and develop skills they’ll carry into their careers. It’s encouraging to see the team continuing to build momentum.”