Formula Student Build Fund

RS South Africa, a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, is celebrating the success of local student engineering teams following the announcement of the Formula Student Build Fund 2026 winners.

The global initiative supports student teams around the world as they transform ambitious engineering concepts into fully-functional race cars. Led by RS, the company provides access to high-quality products, technical resources, and industry support.

Selected as winners

Among the global winners, three South African university teams were selected to receive funding support:

• Formula Student Africa UCT – University of Cape Town
• TUT Racing Team – Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
• UP Formula Student – University of Pretoria

Each team will receive £1 000 worth of RS products to support the design, manufacturing and testing of their Formula Student vehicles. In addition, the TUT Racing Team will receive a further £1 000 worth of RS PRO branded products, in recognition of their exceptional understanding of how RS PRO solutions can support vehicle performance, reliability and long-term team development.

Building futures

This year’s competition attracted a record 137 applications from 33 countries. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to engineering development,” says Erick Wessels, Sales Director at RS SA. “The Formula Student Build Fund is about building more than race cars it is about building futures.

“These students represent the next generation of engineers, innovators and industry leaders who will form part of developing world-class engineering capability across Africa.”

Bridging gap between concept and execution

According to the University of Pretoria, this support is the bridge between concept and its execution. “We are incredibly honoured to have the resources to take the next step. Most people can only dream of success. This fund has given us the opportunity to become globally recognised, no matter where in the world we are,” says a spokesperson.

“The TUT Racing Team is honoured to be recognised by the RS Formula Student Build Fund. This award provides our Mechanical and Mechatronics students with the essential resources to bring their F1-style designs to life,” says Dr Thandiwe Bongani Radebe, Team Leader & Lecturer, Tshwane University of Technology.

“Winning the RS Build Fund Competition does more than provide technical support; it validates our vision for a multi-generational South African racing programme. With RS’s backing, we gain the components to realise our designs, the recognition to fuel our momentum, and the professional legitimacy required to engage with global leaders in the automotive industry,” says a University of Cape Town spokesperson.

International exposure

South African teams benefit directly from this global platform, gaining access to international standards, technologies and opportunities that support long-term development and global competitiveness.

RS South Africa invites students, educators, industry partners and engineering professionals to engage with the Formula Student programme and support the development of the next generation of African engineers.