F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Mercedes: Production of COVID-19 breathing aid in full swing at Brixworth

Mercedes has announced that the design of the breathing aid engineered in part by its Brixworth HPP unit and destined to COVID-19 patients will be made freely available to manufacturers.

Mercedes, along with its fellow British-based F1 rivals, is exploiting its engineering resources to fight the global coronavirus pandemic.

The team's Brixworth HPP facility, which designs and builds the Silver Arrows squad's hybrid power unit, worked in tandem with engineers at University College London and clinicians at UCLH to design in record time the UCL-Ventura breathing aid, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device that helps Covid-19 patients with lung infections to breathe more easily, when an oxygen mask alone is insufficient.

The breathing aid was produced within a rapid timeframe – it took fewer than 100 hours from the initial meeting to production of the first device. And all the details required to make the device are also now available for manufacturers to download from UCL's licensing website.

"Since the project was announced, we have received an incredible number of enquiries about the CPAP device from around the world," said Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes-AMG HPP.

"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."

Following patient evaluations of the UCL-Ventura au UCLH and hospitals in the London area, The UK government has ordered up to 10,000 devices, with production now in full swing at Mercedes' Brixworth facility where 40 machines that would normally produce F1 pistons and turbochargers are being used for production of the CPAP devices.

Mercedes says that the entire Brixworth facility has been "re-purposed to meet this demand".

Professor Michael Arthur, UCL President & Provost said: "This demonstrates what extraordinary things can be achieved when universities, hospitals and industry work together for the national good.

"These devices, which can play a vital role in keeping patients out of intensive care, have been produced in just a couple of weeks as a result of the close collaboration between UCL, UCLH and HPP.

"The UCL community is incredibly proud of the entire team behind this breakthrough."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

8 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

10 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

11 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

13 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

14 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

15 hours ago