Seven Formula One teams have come together to launch ‘Project Pitlane’ to assist with ventilator production amid the coronavirus pandemic.
All of the UK-based teams in the paddock - Mercedes, McLaren, Racing Point, Red Bull, Haas, Renault and Williams - have agreed to help the government in the manufacturing of ventilators to help treat patients diagnosed with Covid-19.
It follows an appeal from the government from manufacturing companies to produce medical devices, with supplies running short among UK hospitals.
Project Pitlane will focus on three workstreams which vary from reverse engineering existing medical devices to the rapid design and prototype manufacture of a new device for certification and subsequent production.
In a statement announcing the initiative, Formula 1 said that 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."
The seven teams will also assist in making available its innovative technology in other areas to combat the unique challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is unclear whether the project will be affected once the F1 2020 season gets underway, with a shorter season anticipated due to the worldwide coronavirus situation.
But with the first eight races of the season either cancelled or postponed, the teams involved will be able to contribute until June at least.
