FORMULA SAEĀ®
Formula SAEĀ®Ā challenges student teams to design, build, and race a formula-style car, applying engineering theory in a real-world setting.
Design, build, and compete with a formula-style race car in Formula SAE and Formula SAE Electric. Teams are judged on engineering design, cost, and business presentation, along with dynamic events such as acceleration, skidpad, autocross, endurance, and efficiency. Formula SAE features internal combustion vehicles, while Formula SAE Electric focuses on fully electric drivetrains and advanced vehicle systems.
Internal Combustion | May 13-16, 2026
Electric Vehicle | June 16-20, 2026
Apply Now for the Cummins Sustainable Power Award and the $1000 top prize
Meet Bosch at Formula SAE 2026
Connect with the Next Generation of Engineers. SAE Collegiate Design Series sponsorship gives your organization direct access to top student engineering talent.
About
Formula SAEĀ® is the premier student engineering competition that challenges teams to design, build, and validate a small-scale formula-style race car. Participants apply theoretical knowledge from mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering to a real-world project, balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability. The program develops not only technical capability, but also project management, teamwork, and innovation under competitive constraints.
Shift up a Gear in Your Engineering Career
Participating in Formula SAE gives students a clear advantage when pursuing internships and full-time roles in the automotive and mobility sectors. Employers value the hands-on experience, problem-solving ability, and teamwork developed through the program, often viewing it as equivalent to early industry exposure. Team members build strong portfolios, gain direct contact with sponsors and recruiters at events, and demonstrate the practical skills that set them apart in competitive hiring processes.
SAE Events
20+
Attendees
13,565
SPEAkers
1,983
exhibitors
488
Upcoming races
AutoDrive Challengeā¢ II
Develop a full autonomous driving passenger vehicle and navigate an urban driving course. This is a four-year autonomous vehicle competition, in partnership with General Motors. June 1-6, 2026
SAE CivicProgress Challenge
The CivicProgress Challenge is a virtual student competition that is a collaboration between SAE International and General Motors (GM). RFP Submissions Due May 1, 2026
Take FSAE Further
Expand your Formula SAE experience beyond competition. Participate in the Formula SAE Technical Exchange, an extended learning workshop focused on advanced topics such as electrification, autonomy integration, safety, and vehicle performance.