Innovating In The Fast Lane

From hybrid engines to Bluetooth connectivity, Formula One innovations have made global impact with their real-world applications.

- Justin Harper

While we sit back and enjoy the return of Formula One to the city after a three-year break due to Covid, there’s much more to this iconic race than meets the eye. Underneath all the glitz and glamour of F1, millions of dollars are invested in the sport to make the cars faster, stronger, safer, more aerodynamic, and technologically-advanced.

Many of the innovations, new materials and technologies discovered in motor sports often find their way into today’s modern cars. These range from lightweight carbon fibre to hybrid engines. Formula One has often been called the fastest R&D lab in the world, and for good reason. The ultra-competitive landscape and resources racing teams have at their disposal lend themselves well to innovation.

The McLaren F1 racing team is the sport’s second most successful after Ferrari, and currently includes driver Lando Norris. At McLaren Racing, technologies have been deployed through government and other corporations which have had a significant impact on wider industries.

One recent example was when Covid-19 hit the UK and the government faced a challenge with ventilators. Many companies stepped in to help manufacture them, including McLaren. “We came together with several other bodies to build 10 years’ worth of ventilators in around 10 weeks. This was possible with our knowledge and expertise in rapid prototyping and production development,” says Curtis Nice, manager of brand and partner communications at McLaren Racing.