🏎️💨 What role does Formula 1 play in advancing the global automotive landscape?
On the second day of #AAPEX last year, I was pleasantly startled by the unmistakable roaring of what ended up being the winner of the first ever Las Vegas Grand Prix 🏆🏁
This was the view from where I was standing as Red Bull racing zoomed up and down the strip.
Often, going unnoticed by ordinary drivers, the world of motorsports drives innovation that extends far beyond the racetrack, reaching our daily lives.
Out of many ways Formula 1 has influenced the technology of every day automobiles, here are a couple of examples:
1️⃣ Regenerative Braking
Formula 1 teams continuously look for ways to utilize the full extend of technological advancements to achieve the highest level of efficiency and some of those discoveries make their way to every day use. One standout example is the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Initially introduced in 2009, KERS captures kinetic energy during braking and converts it into electrical energy, providing a power boost when needed. This innovation has transcended the world of racing, finding its way into hybrid systems of road cars. Next time you drive a hybrid vehicle, consider the role F1 played in advancing energy recovery technology.
2️⃣ Head and Neck Support
Safety is paramount in Formula 1, it's not just for when the driver is traveling at 200mph but it's more for when the vehicle taking the sharpest curves with full traction, or when the car comes to an abrupt stop from its top speed. For all those instances, the Head and Neck Support (HANS) device stands as a testament to the commitment to driver well-being. Originating in the 1980s and gaining prominence after tragic incidents, the HANS device significantly reduces the risk of head and neck injuries. A version of this application had a direct influence in the safety features of road cars. From airbags to reinforced structures, these advancements reflect the dedication to safety that echoes the spirit of F1.
Formula 1 isn't just a sport; it's a testing ground for many of the advancements that shape the future of the automotive industry.
❓What are some other examples of F1 making its way into our daily lives that you can think of?
#Formula1
#AutomotiveInnovation
#AutomotiveEngineering
#FutureOfMobility
Regional Manager at PPG Industrial Coatings with expertise in Operational Production Systems and Customer Solutions
1wWell done!