UK F1 teams making "significant progress" in medical relief effort

Formula 1 teams are making “significant progress” in their response to the government’s call for assistance with the manufacture of medical devices in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

Seven teams; Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Renault, Racing Point, Haas and Williams are using their UK bases and respective technology arms to help coordinate the relief effort in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

There is a worldwide shortage of key medical supplies, including ventilators, which are a pivotal piece of medical equipment in the fight against COVID-19.

Ventilator devices are used to help supply more air to patients with breathing difficulties and other severe symptoms of coronavirus which can result in lung problems such as pneumonia.

The combined relief effort involving all seven UK-based F1 teams is being dubbed ‘Project Pitlane’ and is focusing on three workstreams; reverse engineering existing medical devices, supporting scaling the production of existing ventilator designs, and the rapid design and prototype manufacture of a new device for certification and subsequent production.

“In each instance, Project Pitlane will pool the resources and capabilities of its member teams to greatest effect, focusing on the core skills of the F1 industry: rapid design, prototype manufacture, test and skilled assembly,” an F1 statement read.

“F1’s unique ability to rapidly respond to engineering and technological challenges allows the group to add value to the wider engineering industry’s response.

“The focus of Project Pitlane will now be on coordinating and answering the clear challenges that have been set.

“The seven teams remain ready to support in other areas requiring rapid, innovative technology responses to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”