Mercedes helping in coronavirus fight, Hamilton applauds the decision

© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.

The UK Government confirmed that seven UK based Formula 1 teams (including Mercedes) have answered the call for help in coronavirus crisis.

The official Formula 1 website confirms the teams have “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 initiative has been dubbed ‘Project Pitlane’ and includes participation from Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, BWT Racing Point F1 Team, Haas F1 Team, McLaren F1 Team, Renault DP World F1 Team and ROKiT Williams Racing. Formula1.com explained the ins and outs of the initiative:

“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.”

In a show of support, Lewis Hamilton took to Twitter to praise the initiative.

“It’s great to see [Mercedes] and other [F1 teams] answering the call in these challenging times.

“Great job guys,” wrote the Briton.

Follow us on Twitter @SilverArrowsNet and like us on Facebook!

Comments are closed.