We spoke with Bálint Hanula, an active member of the BME Formula Racing Team from 2013 to 2015, who advanced from a junior member to team lead at record speed. A former student of GPK Mechatronics, he now works as Development Manager at eKraft Europe Ltd. In our conversation, Bálint shared how challenges shaped him and why his FRT experience still provides a significant advantage today.
What motivated you to join the team back then?
Bálint: “Primarily, I was motivated by the engineering competition and the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained. Of course, the competitive aspect was interesting too, but my main reason was professional.”
How quickly did you adapt to the team?
B: “I found my place almost immediately and also saw the opportunities. I quickly got into the rhythm.”
What tasks did you start with?
B: “My first major project was implementing the newly introduced controlled charging system. Honestly, there wasn’t really an area I couldn’t try, so I gained broad knowledge very quickly.”
What was the biggest challenge during your FRT years?
B: “Definitely the 2014–2015 season, when half the team left due to internal disagreements. That situation was a tough test for me as well.”
Looking back, what is your fondest FRT memory?
B: “It’s definitely the moment I was promoted from junior team member to chief engineer in just half a season. A huge achievement was building the first FRT race car with a full carbon monocoque and all-wheel drive.”
What skills or experiences did you gain during your years with FRT?
B: “I gained a lot of electronics knowledge, but most importantly, I learned human resource management and project management skills, which I use every day.”
What is the best thing that happened to you thanks to FRT?
B: “Being able to lead a team of over 30 engineering students even before graduation. That was a truly unique experience.”
What is your current role, and how do you use the FRT experience?
B: “I work as Development Manager at eKraft Europe Ltd., where we develop high-performance electric drivetrains for motorboats, mostly for Lake Balaton, and also build multi-megawatt-hour industrial batteries for green energy storage. I apply the safety regulations, electronics knowledge, and development processes I learned at Formula Student almost every day.”
Overall, why was being part of FRT valuable?
B: “Even ten years later, I can talk about it for hours in interviews. It’s networking, gaining experience, and enjoying great company – the FRT life has so many benefits.”
What do you miss most now that you are no longer an active member?
B: “I miss the social side of team life and the feeling of everyone working together toward a common goal.”
What would you be ‘poorer’ without joining FRT?
B: “Primarily, I would have less project management and technical knowledge, and I wouldn’t have many stories to share in interviews. But most importantly, I wouldn’t have experienced the unique collaboration that helped us overcome difficulties and create something exceptional together.”
Bálint’s story is a perfect example of how this professional community provides not only engineering knowledge but also numerous other valuable skills and experiences.
