University of Exeter Formula One team makes history with record-setting year

The team is flying – literally and metaphorically

2 weeks ago

Kata Laskay | News

XRacing is the University of Exeter’s very own student-led Formula One team, and they’ve just made history.

They compete in Formula Student, an international engineering competition in which student teams design, build, and race their own single-seater cars — from scratch. Think real engineering, real tracks, and real speed.

This year, XRacing had its best performance ever, and they weren’t just fast, they were historic.

While up against elite UK and international teams like overall champion FSBizkaia (University of the Basque Country), XRacing placed comfortably in the top quartile, standing shoulder to shoulder with stars like Oxford Brookes and UBRacing.

They also became one of only 11 teams worldwide to complete every dynamic event — a first in Exeter’s decade-long history with Formula Student.

The real standout? Endurance — the toughest and most strategically demanding track event. Not only did XRacing complete it (most teams don’t even attempt it), but they came 11th overall in the category.

Here’s the leaderboard snapshot:

16th overall — Exeter’s highest ever placement
11th in endurance — a test of both car performance and driver skill
Top 25 per cent globally — among over 100 university teams
“Most Entertaining Driver of the Day”

This isn’t just a win for the engineers — it’s a moment for the whole university. Over 150 XRacing members, from engineering and physics to business and beyond, were involved on the road to success.

Professor Ion Sucala, Head of the Department of Engineering, said: “This achievement demonstrates the power of hands-on learning, interdisciplinary teamwork, and student-led innovation. We couldn’t be prouder of XRacing and look forward to supporting their continued success.”