Formula 1 has revealed further details of the manner in which the seven UK-based teams are assisting with the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Formula 1 is on hiatus until at least mid-June owing to the outbreak and spread of the virus, with all events through the Canadian Grand Prix postponed or cancelled.
Several Formula 1 teams also have advanced engineering arms that have previously contributed to non-racing projects and last week it was confirmed that the outfits were investigating ways in which they could help the cause.
Some patients who have tested positive for coronavirus develop breathing difficulties and thus increasing the availability of ventilators has been identified as a high priority.
The peak of the coronavirus outbreak in the United Kingdom, and the rest of several European nations, is expected in the coming weeks.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, along with Health Secretary Matt Hancock, tested positive for the virus on Friday.
Formula 1 has now confirmed that it has made “significant progress in defining and coordinating its response to the UK Government’s call for assistance with the manufacture of medical devices to help in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
“The seven teams’ combined efforts, termed ‘Project Pitlane’, are part of a UK industry-wide effort to manufacture and deliver respiratory devices to support the national need.
“Following decisions taken this week by the UK Government, Project Pitlane is focussed on three workstreams.
“These workstreams vary in scope from reverse engineering existing medical devices, to support in scaling the production of existing ventilator designs as part of the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium, to 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.
“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.”
The seven UK-based teams are Haas, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Point, Red Bull Racing, Renault and Williams.
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