Project Pitlane makes significant progress in the COVID-19 combat

Formula 1’s seven UK-based teams have made significant progress after having joined forces to help with the fight against novel the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The UK government asked companies to offer their expertise to help with the shortage of key medical devices that are critical for the treatment of the COVID-19 patients. With some F1 outfits operating applied technologies departments, they were quick to offer their assistance with the manufacture of medical tools.

A couple of days ago, it was announced that all seven UK-based F1 teams, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Renault, Racing Point, Haas and Williams have decided to play an active role in the fight against the ongoing coronavirus crises that has quickly spread out across the United Kingdom over the past days. Their joint 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,” an F1 statement read.

„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.”