Formula Student celebrates the anniversary of its 20th racing car

Weingarten - The rollout of the anniversary vehicle "Stinger26E" attracted numerous guests and many former team members to RWU. The evening was hosted by team members Lilly Huber and Emilie Wetzel.

Professor Dr. Ralf Stetter, who has accompanied the Formula Student team as team advisor since its foundation in 2009, looked back on the team's 17-year history in his speech. He traced the arc from the first combustion vehicles to today's fifth electric racing car and showed the technical and organizational development of the team. Formula Student teaches students important skills such as problem-solving skills, systems thinking and working independently, which will also benefit them later in their careers.

During the course of the evening, the team thanked the active and former members, the university, the supporting professors and staff as well as the sponsors. Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH, which has also supported the team since the beginning, was highlighted. Special thanks went, to great applause, to Melanie Arsene, administrative employee in RWU's Technical Operations Office and a mental and operational supporter of the team for many years. In her speech, she found emotional words for the commitment of the students: "Every race car was characterized by emotions and the tireless efforts of the team: You can't buy that. You either have it or you don't. You have it."

Technical highlights of the Stinger26E

In the technical part of the evening, the sub-teams presented the new features of the "Stinger26E". The focus was on a comprehensive revision of the high-voltage system: the packaging and the connection concept of the high-voltage battery were optimized, and the entire system of high-voltage components was given a new housing concept that better protects the components and makes maintenance easier. Another focus was on driving dynamics and ergonomics. The team developed lighter brake callipers, optimized the steering wheel and, for the first time since 2018, the vehicle once again has an individually adapted driver's seat. A new rear wing, improved side wing elements and a revised carbon surface round off the aerodynamic concept of the Stinger26E.

Team culture and personal development

Although the focus of the evening was on the vehicle presentation, technical team leader Moritz Riedel emphasized the continuous development of the team. Regular retrospectives help the students to come together again, even in crisis situations or when difficulties arise, and to strengthen a constructive and trusting team culture. The teamwork is characterized by a good atmosphere, a strong focus on solutions and the joy of working together. Moritz Riedel spoke of the best team atmosphere he had experienced during his membership to date.

Season review, vehicle presentation and finale

Before the new car for the 2026 season was unveiled, the audience was given a video insight into the team's work in the vehicle laboratory to complete the new racing car and a look back at the events of the past season. The team was able to celebrate a number of successes there, including second place in the Acceleration category at Formula Student Czech Republic and 12th place in the same category at Formula Student Germany at the Hockenheimring. The team then presented the new Stinger26E to the guests before rounding off the evening with a buffet and conversation.

Many alumni took the opportunity to look back on their time in the team and share their experiences. Former team leader and current sponsorship association member Sara Klink emphasized the special importance of team cohesion. She emphasized that Formula Student is all about going through ups and downs together, "laughing together and crying together." These shared experiences also shaped the team beyond their time as students.

Click here for the picture gallery.

Text: Kathrin Wöhrle