The first ever SwissGP marked a new milestone for the Formula Student community in Switzerland. Hosted at the test track in Vauffelin, the event brought together four Swiss teams — Bern Racing Team (BRT), Valais Wallis Racing Team (VWR), EPFL Racing, and Zurich UAS Racing — for a day dedicated to collaboration, knowledge exchange, and racing.
Unlike a traditional competition, the SwissGP was designed as an informal yet highly productive get-together. Its main purpose was to create a platform where teams could share experiences, compare technical approaches, and strengthen the growing Formula Student network within Switzerland. Over the course of the day, students, engineers, and team leads from all four universities discussed the challenges of vehicle development, project management, and testing, while also learning from one another’s strategies and innovations.
The event began with a presentation focused on improving scrutineering processes, which are essential for preparing cars to meet competition standards. This was followed by an open technical exchange, where participants delved into topics such as simulation, data acquisition, and mechanical design optimization. These conversations highlighted how collaboration between teams can accelerate learning and improve performance across all aspects of the Formula Student experience.
Of course, the highlight of the day was the opportunity to take the cars to the track. Two testing sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, allowed teams to gather valuable data, refine their setups, and enjoy the excitement of seeing their work in action. The day concluded with a joint photoshoot, capturing a remarkable sight: four Swiss-built Formula Student race cars lined up side by side. For many, it was a symbolic moment — a visual representation of the growing strength and unity of the Swiss Formula Student community.
Beyond the technical discussions and on-track sessions, the atmosphere throughout the event was one of genuine enthusiasm and collaboration. It was a reminder that Formula Student is not only about competition, but also about learning, teamwork, and shared passion for engineering and motorsport. Events like the SwissGP show that when teams come together, they can inspire one another to push boundaries and continue improving both their vehicles and their organizations.
We would like to thank the Bern Racing Team for organizing the first edition of the SwissGP, and to Valais Wallis Racing Team and EPFL Racing for their participation and valuable exchange. The SwissGP 2025 marks the beginning of a new tradition that will continue to connect and strengthen Swiss Formula Student teams in the years to come.
This event demonstrated how collaboration, innovation, and education can go hand in hand. It is the start of a promising journey for all teams involved, and a strong signal that the Swiss Formula Student community is ready to accelerate into the future together.
