Formula 1 continues to pose the greatest opportunity for automotive technology, and we can’t wait to get back to the track

Formula One technology is some of the most advanced in the world, with cars pushing the boundaries of engineering.

But how can automotive manufacturers take advantage of these innovations on the track for the benefit of cars on the road? Carlo Fiorella, the Global Market Manager here at DuPont, shares his thoughts.

Carlo Fiorella
Global Market Manager
Automotive – DuPont

As we co-engineer with our partners at Renault DP World F1 Team, we are working to adapt and transfer technical advancements into cars on the road, and even into the development of more future looking auto innovations.

For so many, Formula 1 and the auto industry have always been about more than just the mechanics of the cars. It’s about a passion to excel and get better all the time. It’s about combining human endurance and skill with engineering brilliance.  But at its heart, Formula 1 is a community, and one of which, through our technical partnership with the Renault DP World F1 team, we are proud to be a part.

As the season returns, albeit without the background noise of cheering fans that we are used to, we turn with renewed energy back to the business of marginal gains.  Nowhere in the sporting world are they more pronounced than in F1, which presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for manufacturers and engineers. For me, it’s the way that the teams and their partners respond to these unrelenting challenges that makes this sport so remarkable.

Working in lock step with Renault DP World F1 Team we are unlocking improvements to electrical systems, chassis, bodywork, drivetrain, and even the protective apparel worn by drivers, that add up to big gains in performance. For drivetrain systems, these advanced electrical and hybrid systems require the car to operate at previously unimaginable levels of pressure, stress and heat.

Working together for big gains in F1 performance

Our electrical insulating Nomex® paper enables hybrid motors in F1 to safely run hotter, faster and longer, which represents huge progress, but is also directly in line with some of the consumer-led challenges of increased range being placed on auto manufacturers across the industry more broadly.

These material and technological advancements first reduced to practice in F1 have led to higher efficiency engines on road cars around the world, through making vehicles lighter weight and allowing for greater fuel efficiencies, as well as through improving the thermal efficiency of batteries and motors – meaning less heat and power is wasted as exhaust.

We're working to adapt F1 advancement into road

Formula 1 has also achieved remarkable progress in making it safer for drivers, teams, officials and spectators.  This is another area that I am proud to say we have been able to help advance.  Our ballistics grade protective fibre, Kevlar®, is widely used throughout the sport, such as a base material for fuel cells within the cars.

The same is true of improving the safety of the racing suits worn by drivers and pitlane teams. Their racing suits also include Nomex® fibres, which they have in common with the apparel and gear of firefighters, emergency responders, industrial workers, and other sectors around the world where ensuring trusted protection from heat and flame are key.

We've made remarkable progress in F1 safety

As we co-engineer with our partners at Renault DP World F1 Team, we are working to adapt and transfer technical advancements into cars on the road, and even into the development of more future looking auto innovations such as next generation lithium-ion batteries in hybrid-electric vehicles, so that performance, sustainability, and safety can be enhanced in parallel.

The impact of Formula 1 on the materials and technology we take for granted is extraordinary, and a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.  This season may be different to those that have come before, but one thing that will never change: the drive for performance is everything.  We can’t wait to get started.

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Renault Sport Racing and DuPont Announce Strategic Partnership