Mercedes has provided an update about their work with the breathing aide they were preparing with UCL and UCLH at their Brixworth F1 base.
Mercedes notes that they are ready with mass delivery of the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which they were preparing along with the help of UCL and UCLH under ‘Project Pitlane’ after the order from the UK Government.
The six other F1 teams, meanwhile, have ramped up the work under ‘Ventilator Challenge UK’ as they join hands to help the Government in fighting COVID-19 pandemic. Mercedes got an order of upto 10,000 the CPAP device, to help patients with breathing.
Mercedes has turned its Brixworth F1 engine base into a full-time manufacturing base of CPAP to meet the demand, where they are producing 1000 devices in a day. 40 machines which produces pistons and turbochargers, are being used for CPAP.
Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, said: “Since the project was announced, we have received an incredible number of enquiries about the CPAP device from around the world.
“Making the design and manufacturing specifications openly available will allow companies around the world to produce these devices at speed and at scale to support the global response to Covid-19.” It is a big task but F1 teams are up for it.
There is no work happening related to F1 after the shutdown was brought forward. But work in seven of the bases in UK is working day and night to cater to the Government. Ferrari’s Italian base is also helping its Government with growing requirements.
Here’s Pirelli’s Mario Isola doing paramedics work
Here’s how Ron Dennis is helping NHS workers with free meals
Here’s what Mercedes has done under Project Pitlane
Here’s news on Ferrari helping Italian officials
Here’s Toto Wolff on Aston Martin/Mercedes rumours