Formula 1 hopes to have a “tangible outcome” in the coming days over plans for teams and engine marques to assist with the production of ventilators.
Ventilators have been requested by health officials and governments due to the escalating COVID-19 coronavirus situation, which has had an impact worldwide.
Breathing difficulties are one of the main symptoms of patients with coronavirus and respiratory devices help supply more air to those affected.
The 2020 Formula 1 season is currently on hiatus until at least June but several teams have applied technology arms that run in conjunction with their Formula 1 operations.
A statement released by Formula 1 on Friday confirmed that “a collective of UK-based Formula 1 teams, engine manufacturers and their respective technology arms is evaluating support for the manufacture of respiratory devices in response to the UK Government’s call for assistance.
“The teams are working in collaboration with Formula 1, the UK Government and other organisations to establish the feasibility of the teams producing, or supporting the production of, medical devices to help in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
“All the teams have expert design, technology and production capabilities, and specialise in rapid prototyping and high value manufacturing, which is hoped can be applied to the critical needs set out by Government.
“Working with Innovate UK, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult team and UCL and University College London Hospitals, the teams are evaluating a number of routes in conjunction with existing manufacturers and organisations from the aerospace and automotive sectors.
“It is hoped this work, which is being rapidly progressed, will produce a tangible outcome in the next few days.”
It is anticipated that thousands of additional ventilators will be required in the coming weeks and months in order to cope with the increased demand.
The Agnelli Family, which controls Fiat and Ferrari, earlier this week donated 10 million Euros to the Italian government in order to help with the crisis.
